Kids Make Stuffed Animals for Toy Drive
The Californer/10056133

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - Californer -- Elementary school kids in the Little Villagers after school program at various schools throughout Orange County made over 40 stuffed animals for children served by Illumination Foundation in support of their holiday toy drive.

The kids stuffed each plush toy with cotton fiberfill and a gold star with a special wish for the child receiving the stuffed animal.  Each animal was dressed in a cute outfit and comes with a birth certificate with their name, birthdate and place of birth. "The kids were so excited to make these stuffed animals for children in need. It warms the heart to see kids giving to kids and it is a beautiful way to celebrate the holiday season", said Little Villagers co-founder Kristine Darroch.

Children aged 4 to 12 participated in the project as part of Little Villagers after school programs at Renascence International School in Costa Mesa, Our Lady of Fatima Academy in San Clemente, St. Bonaventure School in Huntington Beach and St. Junipero Serra School in Rancho Santa Margarita.

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"We love giving kids opportunities to give back to our community. They are so eager to help, and it is wonderful to witness their compassion for others", said Carly Gonzalez, co-founder of Little Villagers.

Each stuffed animal was placed in a gift bag decorated by the kids in the program, and delivered to Illumination Foundation on December 9, 2019.

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Little Villagers is a Social Purpose Corporation that provides meaningful, age-appropriate service projects for children in order to empower our youth to contribute to their communities. Started in July 2018 by two Mission Viejo moms, Kristine Darroch and Carly Gonzalez, Little Villagers kids activities for causes are offered as after school programs and workshops for children throughout Orange County. For more information visit www.littlevillagers.org.