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Play. Connect. Heal.
Sew for Good
Calling all sewers!
Calling all talented and compassionate sewers, knitters, and crocheters! Project Sunshine is on a mission to make a difference, and we need your help to sew Surgi Dolls. By volunteering your sewing skills, you can play a vital role in spreading happiness and hope to children who bravely face medical challenges. Join us in this initiative and use your creativity to sew Surgi Dolls that will bring smiles to the faces of children who need it the most.
What are Surgi Dolls?
Surgi Dolls are plain dolls that hospital staff use to explain surgical procedures to children before operations. The dolls help children to play, cope, express, empower and ultimately heal.
Volunteer Opportunity
Surgi Dolls Sewers
As a Surgi Doll Sewer, you will sew several Surgi Dolls that Project Sunshine will distribute to our medical facility partners. You can sew them on your own or with family and friends from your home or at any local community gathering (ie. sewing club, library, religious organization).
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How does it work?
1. Fill out the form below to get started.
2. Receive an email from us with materials shopping list, instructions, template, etc.
3. Purchase supplies and sew Surgi Dolls.
4. Ship it back to our office.
5. Project Sunshine will distribute your Surgi Dolls to one of our 500 hospital partners.
Sewing Instructions and Materials List
Review the instructions to understand what it takes to be a Surgi Doll Sewer.
Here is the materials list on Amazon. You're welcome to purchase your materials from any store you prefer.
How do Surgi Dolls help?
When children are admitted to a hospital, they experience disruptions to their daily lives, resulting in feelings of fear, loneliness, and anxiety.
Project Sunshine’s Kits for Play program sends Surgi Doll activity kits to our network of medical partners across the United States. Hospital staff such as nurses, doctors, child life specialists, and social workers use Surgi Dolls to explain medical challenges to children and their families. Surgi Dolls also act as a companion and playmate.
With our Surgi Dolls, children can understand the care and attention that hospital staff provide, humanizing the hospital experience for them and their families.
How do Surgi Dolls help?
When children are admitted to a hospital, they experience disruptions to their daily lives, resulting in feelings of fear, loneliness, and anxiety.
Project Sunshine’s Kits for Play program sends Surgi Doll activity kits to our network of medical partners across the United States. Hospital staff such as nurses, doctors, child life specialists, and social workers use Surgi Dolls to explain medical challenges to children and their families. Surgi Dolls also act as a companion and playmate.
With our Surgi Dolls, children can understand the care and attention that hospital staff provide, humanizing the hospital experience for them and their families.
Who can become a Surgi Doll sewer?
We recommend that volunteers have some sewing experience, but if you're passionate about become a Surgi Doll sewer, don't let that deter you! We'll provide a video tutorial and written instructions to aid all volunteers, so you can sew at your own pace. This would be a great opportunity for anyone with experience in knitting, crocheting, darning or any other textile or needle arts and crafts.
Becoming a Surgi Doll sewer is one application of family and consumer services, as the focus is on improving the quality of life for individuals and families. Sewing Surgi Dolls aligns seamlessly with this objective by providing comfort and support to children undergoing medical procedures. These dolls not only serve as companions but also play a role in reducing anxiety and creating a nurturing environment.
For those with a passion for home economics, this is an opportunity to apply the practical skills and knowledge of needlework arts and crafts. Sewing Surgi Dolls not only hones sewing abilities but also teaches valuable lessons in empathy, compassion, and the application of crafting skills for the betterment of others. It connects the domestic sphere with a broader social impact.
For those interested in human development, the act of creating Surgi Dolls contributes significantly to understanding the psychological and emotional needs of children, especially in challenging circumstances. This volunteer initiative aligns with the principles of child development, emphasizing the importance of comfort objects and supportive environments in fostering emotional well-being.
Become a Surgi Doll Sewer Today
Thank you for your interest in helping us sew Surgi Dolls! With your sewing expertise, your Surgi Dolls will help pediatric patients heal and feel empowered before going into an operation. Fill out the form below. Once it's submitted, you will receive an email from us with the Surgi Doll template, materials list, instructions, and all the information you need to get started.
About Project Sunshine
Our Mission
To deliver the healing power of play to children with medical needs through passionate and dedicated volunteers.
For over 20 years, Project Sunshine volunteers have brought joy and play directly to children with medical needs through our network of hospitals and medical facility partners across the country.
