Help me give my students that experience difficult life situations an assortment of Stuffens Toy Shop "Create Your Own Stuffed Animals" to choose from so we can bring a little joy and comfort into their lives!
Our school, located in Bergen County, New Jersey serves a culturally diverse group of students from ages pre-k through fifth grade. Our school serves just under five hundred students, with more than a third of students being from low-income households. Many of my students come from various home life dynamics, such as non-nuclear families. I am very grateful to work with such wonderful students and families who are always such a pleasure to work with.
Unfortunately, some of our students will undergo some very difficult and/or traumatic life experiences during their elementary years.
Whether it be the loss of a significant support in their life (parent, relative, pet), losing their home, or witnessing/being involved in some sort of traumatizing event, these unfortunate situations are a part of life that we have to help our students cope with as best as possible each year.
My Project
While giving a child a stuffed animal will not take away from a traumatic event or a difficult life experience they may encounter, it is certainly a kind, comforting gesture that the school can incorporate into their already established support services. Stuffed animals often provide a substantial measure of comfort and solace to these children during their hours of greatest need. This project will provide students who unfortunately experience traumatic, difficult life experiences the ability to select from various Stuffens Toy Shop's "Create Your Own Stuffed Animals" in order to select a cuddly friend they would like to take home in hopes of bringing some light and comfort during their dark times. These stuffed animals are similar to the well known Build-A-Bear's, where children select, stuff, and create their own special stuffed animals, making this a special experience as well as a support! No sewing is necessary, and the use of the "Build-A-Bear Stuffing Station" that is requested, is optional in assembling the stuffed animals. Help our students "Build a Bear, Because You Care!"
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