this crafter has a great idea and great free patterns to support it - there are still lots of things going on in todays world that make this idea relevant...
http://www.thedollnet.com/arlene/index.html?tdn
here is her note:
"After the horrendous events of September 11th, I, like many other people, began to ask myself, "What can I do to contribute?" I contributed to the Red Cross, but that seemed too little and too easy--- I wanted to do something more personal, something more of myself. In this war, as in all wars, the children suffer so much because they don't understand, because their security is threatened and because they are frightened of a foe they can't comprehend. Right now, all the children of this planet need reassurance, they need security, and many of the little ones also need something comforting to hold onto, particularly when it is dark out and everything is quiet. If I could, I would give each one of them a soft cuddly toy to hold--- hopefully I can, but I can't do it alone, I need your help. One thing I do well is make patterns, so, here is my plan. Included with this letter, come patterns for a bunny and a bear. I have designed these patterns to be very easy to make, and they can be hand or machine sewn using only a third of a yard of fabric for the small toys. If each of you were to make two toys and give them to any children anywhere in this country, or any other country, and to pass this pattern on to two other people who might be willing to make two toys and then pass the pattern on to two other people, we could multiply this gift of "little hugs" to cover the world, so, if you have a friend or relative in another country, please send this translated letter and pattern to them also. Of course, if you want to make more than two, or send to more than two people, please do so. And if you want to donate toys, the Salvation Army and your local Police and Fire departments collect toys for underprivileged children.
May Love conquer Evil, and Peace and Love be the new order of this beautiful planet and may God Bless America and the Free countries of the world.
All my love and support,
Arlene Cano"