In an effort to reach out to refugee children in Europe members of the women’s organisation (Relief Society) in the Sunderland area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been knitting "Dude Dolls". When the dolls were all collected together there were nearly five hundred in total. They were packed by members of the Church into Christmas boxes ready to be transported out and given to refugee children in France and Syria.
- Knitted dolls made by the women in the Sunderland congregation for European refugee children
- Sunderland gift bags for European refugee children were donated and packed by women members
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Volunteer charity workers will take the dolls, along with hats, gloves, scarves and blankets, which have also been collected, to be distributed to refugee children.
As well as sending necessary commodities to Europe members also collected toiletry items, sweets, small toys and baby supplies to make up gift bags to be given to refugees within the local community. This has been achieved by working alongside local charities and offering support to fulfill the needs that they identified.
Three hundred Christmas gift bags were assembled as a result of donations of commodities from local members, each bag being specifically for an adult, child, or baby. The volunteers in attendance reported the happy atmosphere present and a great appreciation felt for the kindness of those who had so generously donated so many needed items. The women who were helping to pack the children's bags would comment that they had given a teddy a hug to pass on their love to the child who received it.
The charities involved have expressed tremendous thanks for the support that members have given and will continue to give.
In past months, "Welcome Packs" have been assembled within the Church in Sunderland from items donated which consisted of basic toiletry and sanitary items and were gratefully received. The local charity to which they were donated, reported back that the "Welcome Packs" were an invaluable help in supporting those in dire need.