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Gleaning for the World donates Teddy Bears to nations in need
By STEPHANIE A. JAMES/Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 26, 2008 10:31 AM EST
Concord-based Gleaning for the World has made it possible for children less fortunate to have the comfort of a teddy bear this Christmas,
GFTW received hundreds of stuff animals last weekend through their sponsored project Operation Teddy Bear.
GFTW accepted donations at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg on Nov. 22 and Nov. 23.
Through the donations, the non-profit humanitarian organization has prepared to ship the comfort toys to children in developing countries.
Many children who receive the stuffed animals have faced the devastation of natural disasters such as fire, flood, or storms and some have seen violence of war and political persecution.
Some of the children have lost their belongings in the devastation.
Director of Communications Ismael LaBiosa said that some children are abandoned or those who lose their parents turn to drugs.
Having the stuffed animals is a way of combating their urge to use drugs.
"The stuffed animals help them get off drugs faster," said LaBiosa.
GFTW product placement manager Brucie Quick explained how one girl from Guatemala lost her family and all she had left was a rag to hold on to.
So GFTW ships the donations for children like the Guatemala girl could have a stuffed animal for comfort.
"That is why we do this," said Quick.
The stuffed animals are shipped to such places as Guatemela, Africa, Dominican Republic, Haiti, South America, Liberia and Jamaica.
The stuffed animals are collected year around at the GFTW headquarters though an emphasis is put on donations during Christmas time.
There is no limit to the number of stuffed animals that are accepted.
Last year, GFTW collected more than 20,000 stuffed animals.
"We are hoping to match that," said Quick.
Over the years, the GFTW has shipped millions of goods to places in the states and oversees to help the poverty stricken and homeless.
The company has come a long way, going from virtually unrecognizable to being one of the top charities in the country.
Recognized for its work, Forbes.com ranked GFTW for the second year as a top charity in the country for its efficiency and charitable commitment.
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