Stuffed with Love: Stuffed Animal Drive Supports Children in Need
Stuffed With Love: Stuffed Animal Drive Supports Children in Need
Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy is hosting its annual “Stuffed With Love” stuffed animal drive throughout the month of February. The drive collects new, medium-sized stuffed animals to provide comfort and security to children facing difficult and often traumatic situations.
Donated stuffed animals are given to every child served through the Child Advocacy Centers in Greeley and Firestone, as well as children supported by the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Program.
Jillian Henry, Child Advocacy Center Program Administrator and Forensic Interviewer, says the best part of the interview process is when children realize they get to take a stuffed animal with them. Their faces light up as they stand in front of the shelves, carefully choosing the one they want.
Liza Carranza Arroyo, Bilingual Family Advocate, shares that the gesture, while simple, brings children joy and helps positively close the appointment. It can also be the first step in the healing process. When children look back on their appointment and remember the stuffed animal they received, they know someone cared enough to listen. The positive impact these stuffed animals have on healing is echoed repeatedly by the children served.
At the 2023 annual gala, guest speaker Selena Mendoza shared how the stuffed animal she received provided comfort and strength throughout her healing journey. She showed the audience her well-loved, tattered companion, a powerful reminder of the lasting impact a simple gift can have. Similarly, at the 2025 Gala, Madison Liechti spoke about the importance of the stuffed animal she received after being interviewed as a teenager. Though years separated their experiences, their feelings were the same. The stuffed animals provided security, courage, and something tangible to hold onto during the healing process.
The Stuffed with Love drive began in April 2013 in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Initially, collection boxes were placed at restaurants participating in the annual Top Chef event, encouraging community members to donate while dining out.
In recent years, the campaign moved to February to honor the love and compassion shown to the children served by Life Stories. By donating a stuffed animal, community members play an active role in helping children cope with trauma and move toward hope and healing.
Since its inception, hundreds of stuffed animals have been donated to Life Stories by caring, empathetic, and compassionate community members. Collection boxes are available at multiple locations in Greeley and Firestone. A full list of locations can be found at www.lifestoriesweld.org.
Respectfully Submitted by Verniece Thomas, Administrative Assistant