About
My name is Christian
And Im a senior in high school. And at one point in my life I was a pediatric patient. I hope you will join me in my mission to help other pediatric patients through The Best Friends Project.
We can make a difference in the lives of these children through new stuffed toy donations from individuals and businesses, as well as through fundraising for monetary donations towards the purchase of new comfort toys.
The Best Friend Project then delivers the new stuffed comfort toys to specialty pediatric offices, pediatric emergency rooms, and pediatric hospital unites. And from there medical staff is able to provide additional comfort to their pediatric patients that are experiencing the fear that so commonly occurs for these children. Our reach has also expanded to include children experiencing crisis.
Through your support The Best Friends Project can help bring a little extra comfort to pediatric patients, and other children experiencing exceptionally difficult times, by giving them a best friend to hold onto.
The Inspiration Behind
The Best
Friends
Project
The Why and How
I want to share a little bit with you about why I started The Best Friend Project so you have a better understanding of why it’s so important to me.
After experiencing my own medical journey as a pediatric patient, and the worry and fear of not knowing what would happen I was blessed to be given my future back thanks to my doctors, medical science, and the support and prayers of my family. And Im not going to waste a moment of the future that lays ahead of me.
But as my life moved forward I couldn't forget about some of the other pediatric patients I had seen who were coming in and out of appointments when I was there waiting for my own. Mostly I would watch them in the waiting room to distract myself from what I was worried about. I saw that sometimes they were scared, and other times they were lucky because they were too little to know what was coming, or why they should be worried. Some pediatric patients were so little, and others were elementary age, middle school age and high school age. And no matter their age I know their parents felt fear just like mine have. Sometimes I would hear the younger ones cry in the next room from mine at appointments, or at the hospital. I felt sad for them because I know what it’s like to be afraid. But at least I could understand more than they could because I was older than the youngest ones. It reminded me of times when I was little and scared and I would hold onto my stuffed dog Sophie ( named after my actual golden retriever dog). My stuffed Sophie Dog went pretty much everywhere with me when I was little, and slept with me every night. She made me feel better, and safer. I still have her in my memory box my mom keeps my most important keepsakes in. So when I would see the little kids scared and having to go through some of the things I knew I was going through it made me remember Sophie Dog and how much she helped me. And as someone who wants to go into science and medicine myself I spend time doing medical shadowing with different types of physicians . So when I shadowed I would sometimes see little kids, and older kids who were scared then as well. And it made me think how they too needed a Sophie Dog like I had when I was little. A stuffed animal doesn’t fix everything, but having my childhood stuffed puppy to hold onto when I was little always helped me. I can't heal any of those pediatric patients who are sick, but I knew I could help some feel less afraid if they had a best friend to hold onto. So I reached out to different toy store, shop owners, and others to see if they might be interested in helping me by providing The Best Friends Project with donations of new stuffed animals to pediatric offices, medical departments, and emergency rooms. And I have received such supportive commitment from companies like Toys and Co, Polliwogs, Core X and other organizations and individuals in donating the stuffed animals, and helping raise monetary donations for the purchase of the comfort toys for the pediatric patients who are being treated. I wasn’t sure if anyone would be interested in helping a high schooler with something like this but it’s been really exciting to see others commit and want to help. It's been a reminder that humanity is all around us if we just look.
So this is really meaningful to me as it feels like it is all tied to my own path of eventually doing something with science and medicine as I look towards college and my future. My family and I believe that there is a reason for why things happen. And as much as I wish I didn’t have to cope with what my own medical experiences brought upon my life, it has given me the ability to understand what it feels like to be the patient sitting on the table with the crinkly paper below me waiting for test results, and feeling real fear. And what the emotional tole is deep down inside when you have to just push through even though you're worried and scared the entire time of what is happening in the moment, and what will be revealed about your future. Founding and running the Best Friend Project inspired by my own childhood stuffed toy, Sophie Dog and my experiences as a pediatric patient seems to have more meaning if I can create something like this from it.
I hope you will join me in this mission to make a difference for pediatric patients, and other children in crisis by helping make it possible for them to have a best friend to hold onto during some of life's hardest moments.
Sincerely,
Christian
Stuffed Animals' Impact on Childhood Mental Health
According to the International Collegiate Journal of Science, stuffed animals are vital in developing a child’s sense of security and help children in times of stress. The mere feeling of cradling something soft and relaxing can soothe young children, as well as help ebb anxiety and fear.
Developmental psychologist Dr. Esther Hess works at The Center for the Developing Mind,where she treats children and adolescents impacted emotionally or with intellectual disabilities. She said stuffed animals are transitional objects, helping a child in their journey from dependence to independence.
Hess said stuffed animals also provide a sense of reality to children by grounding them when they are feeling stressed. They can also help cultivate their creativity and imagination. Hess said children often take their stuffed animals everywhere they go.
“The animal, in a certain sense, experiences life the way the child does. And oftentimes, the child can then use make-believe to have in their minds a dialogue with that stuffed animal about how their day has been going,” Hess said. “No matter what, stuffed animals are always there to provide security … [They are] sometimes a displacement for anger, sometimes displacement for tears.”
According to Hess, stuffed animals have more uses than just providing emotional support, as they can also be a companion to look to in hard times.
“Sometimes, the stuffed animal can be a representation of what’s going on in the child’s life — for example, a medical issue,” Hess said. “And it’s not the child who’s going through the medical issue, but the stuffed animal is going through the medical issue, so there’s a lot of different ways that the stuffed animal can take on almost magical qualities.”
Stuffed Animals Reduce
Stress and Anxiety
The act of holding or cuddling a stTuffed animal or plush toy can stimulate the release of oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone that promotes a sense of calm and The act of holding or cuddling a stuffed animal or plush toy can stimulate the release of oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone that promotes a sense of calm and well-being. In moments of distress, a stuffed animal can provide a tangible anchor of emotional comfort.well-being. In moments of distress, a stuffed animal can provide a tangible anchor of emotional comfort.
Upcoming Projects to Fund
We are very excited to announce our partnership this November with the Greensboro, North Carolina children's boutique Polliwogs! Stay tuned for more details as we share how you can help Polliwogs raise funds to support the purchase of new stuffed comfort toys for pediatric patients in the Triad area.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help bring comfort to pediatric patients through monetary donations that go 100% towards the purchase of new stuffed toys that the pediatric patients get to keep. Simply reach out to us directly, or click the link here on our website to donate directly to The Best Friends Project now.
Also watch for our upcoming fundraising events that you can contribute to by donation of a new stuffed toy, or through your donation during an event that raises monitay funds for the purchase of the comfort toys for pediatric patients.
Further Reading
This section offers additional reading that highlights how stuffed toys can alleviate anxiety, provide comfort, and reduce fear for pediatric patients. To learn more, click the links to these insightful publications.
Upcoming Events
Welcome to our Upcoming Events section!
Here, you'll find the latest news, donation opportunities, updates, and fundraising events aimed at supporting pediatric patients through comfort toy donations at pediatric offices, hospitals, and emergency rooms. Stay engaged with our efforts to bring relief and comfort to children facing difficult medical circumstances.
Direct Donations
Toys & Co. of Greensboro, NC.
The Best Friends Project is truly grateful to for the support from Mr. Marc Holcomb, owner, and Miss. Catherine Harris, team lead/buyer! Toys and Co of GSO has made a significant donation of new lovable stuffed toys that will be hand delivered by The Best Friends Project to regional pediatric neurology offices. The medical staff will then be able to offer a soft new best friend to hold to any of their patients who need the extra comfort during appointments, testing or treatment.
More updates coming soon!
Donate securely through Venmo.
100% of. your donation goes to the purchase of comfort toys for pediatric patients and the children impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Partnering in Fundraising
Polliwogs Children's Boutique
The Best Friends Project is very excited about partnering with Polliwogs Children's Boutique of Greensboro, NC during the month of November! Polliwogs will be supporting our mission by hosting a fundraiser during the week of November 4th to the 9th. With each stuffed animal sale they will make a 15% donation to The Best Friends Project. These funds will go directly toward purchasing new comfort toys that we will deliver to pediatric our regional pediatric offices, pediatric emergency rooms, and pediatric hospital unites. The Best Friends Project and Polliwogs would like to invite everyone to come out, shop and support this meaningful cause. Together, we can bring comfort to more pediatric patients.
More updates coming soon!
Donate securely through Venmo.
100% of. your donation goes to the purchase of comfort toys for pediatric patients and the children impacted by Hurricane Helene.
New Stuffed Toy Donation Drive
Greensboro Day School
The Best Friends Project has the exceptional opportunity to be featured as the nonprofit that Greensboro Day School will be offering their support to during the entire month of November! Through a program that the school has where each advising group ( think homerooms) competes to see which group of students can bring in the most donations for that months featured nonprofit. And through the month of November that will be us! We are hoping that many of the GDS students, and adults in the surrounding communities will take this opportunity to support the fundraising event that Polliwogs Children's Boutique will be hosting during the week of November 4th to the 9th by stopping in their store to buy a new stuffed animal as each purchase will generate a 15% donation to the Best Friends Project! All proceeds going towards the purchase of new stuffed comfort toys for our pediatric patients.
Donate securely through Venmo.
100% of. your donation goes to the purchase of comfort toys for pediatric patients and the children impacted by Hurricane Helene.
More New Stuffed Toy Deliveries
Pediatric Neurology, and more
It is incredibly rewarding to whitness the generosity of others, whether through donations of new stuffed comfort toys, or contributions that help fund their purchases. Even more fulfilling is delivering these donated toys to pediatric offices, knowing they will be able to place them in the arms of children in need of comfort during difficult and stressful periods of their
care. Coming soon this November, a delivery to Pediatric Neurology.
Follow us here, and on social media to stay updates on our mission and progress.
Donate securely through Venmo.
100% of. your donation goes to the purchase of comfort toys for pediatric patients and the children impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Partnering with Toys & Co. to Provide Stuffed Comfort Toys at Reduced Prices, Made Possible by Fundraising Contributions.
Toys & Co. of Greensboro
The Best Friends Project extends heartfelt thanks to Toys & Co.for their continued support of our mission. Once again, their generosity allows us to purchase more comfort toys for pediatric patients at wholesale prices, made possible through fundraising contributions. With their support we are able to do so much more. And our gratitude is genuine.
Donate securely through Venmo.
100% of. your donation goes to the purchase of comfort toys for pediatric patients and the children impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Spearheading and Collaborating on Fundraising and Donation Drives in our home state of NC to Provide Stuffed Comfort Toys to the Children of Western North Carolina Who Have Lost Everything as a Result of Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene Outreach
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, The Best Friends Project has extended our mission to provide comfort to children whose lives were so painfully upended by the storm's flooding and destruction. Through the donation of new stuffed toys, we aim to bring a sense of hope and security to those youngest survivors who have lost so much. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue the collection and delivery of comfort toys to these children, ensuring our impact is both immediate and ongoing.
Also, thank you to all our generous donors. Your kindness and support is invaluable.
As we wrap up our October donation drives stay tuned for updates coming soon on our next dates in November, when you can help support the children of Western Carolina.
Keep reading for more donation and fundraiser information listed in this section, "Upcoming Events"
We also want to thank Toys & Co.of Greensboro, and Polliwogs Children's Boutique of Greensboro for their continued efforts and collaboration with us, not only in supporting pediatric patients but also in our joint efforts for the children of Western Carolina who have lost so much, including their sense of safety as a result of Hurricane Helene.
For further reading on why stuffed toys bring comfort to children experiencing stress or trauma, please click the link below, or browse some of the other articles in our Further Reading section.
Donate securely through Venmo.
100% of. your donation goes to the purchase of comfort toys for pediatric patients and the children impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Collaborating with Polliwogs Children's Boutique to Provide Stuffed Comfort Toys to the Children of Western North Carolina Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene Outreach
Updates Coming Soon -
Joining efforts with Polliwogs Children's Boutique of Greensboro, NC for another fundraising and donation drive by turning our attention to supporting the children of Western North Carolina Impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Donate securely through Venmo.
100% of. your donation goes to the purchase of comfort toys for pediatric patients and the children impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Hosting Community Toy Drives & Fundraisers to Provide Stuffed Comfort Toys to the Children of Western North Carolina Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene Outreach
Bringing Comfort to Children Affected by Hurricane Helene
The Best Friend Project is excited to be hosting community toy drives and fundraisers dedicated to providing comfort to the children of Western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene. Many of these children have lost everything, and we believe a stuffed toy—a comforting, loyal best friend—can bring them a sense of warmth and security during this difficult time.
Join us in our mission to make a difference! Your donations and participation in our events will directly support our goal of delivering hundreds of new, soft, and comforting stuffed toys to children affected by the hurricane. Together, let’s help these children feel safe and supported as they rebuild and recover.
-Birkhaven Community Toy Drive & Fundraiser
October 26th - November 4th
Huge Success was had with donations of warm clothing and blankets, as well as monetary donations that have allowed us to place orders for new stuffed comfort toys, while also receiving direct donations of new stuffed comfort toys. All totaling up to 275 comfort toys so far that will be headed to Western NC's children.
-Stay tuned for updates on the toy orders arrivals , and their deliveries to Western NC.
and
-Stay tuned for our next neighborhood community Toy Drive & Fundraiser coming up soon!
Donate securely through Venmo.
100% of. your donation goes to the purchase of comfort toys for pediatric patients and the children impacted by Hurricane Helene.
New Stuffed Comfort Toy Donation Drive.
All sizes, and characters welcome. Stay tuned for updates and the donation deliveries that follow.
The Best Friends Project &
GDS Toy Drive is Underway!
All community members, and staff, teachers, students, and parents are invited to make a difference this November by donating a new stuffed comfort toy for the pediatric patients in our regional Triad area that The Best Friends Project Supports. Donations can be delivered to GDS upper school in Mr.Ross's room.
Donate securely through Venmo.
100% of. your donation goes to the purchase of comfort toys for pediatric patients and the children impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Our Fundraising Drive With Polliwogs Children's Boutique - Supporting the Purchase of Comfort Toys for Pediatric Patients in the Triad.
Fundraising for Pediatric Patients
Thank yo to Polliwogs for your incredible support and for hosting such a great fundraiser for The Best Friend Project! Your dedication to our community and the kindness you show make a real difference. We’re so grateful to partner with a business that truly cares about helping others. Together, we’re bringing comfort to so many kids in need!”- November 4th -9th ! For every stuffed toy purchase Polliwogs will donate 15% of each sale to TBFP so we can continue to purchase new stuffed comfort toys for Pediatric Patients in the Triad.
Donate securely through Venmo.
100% of. your donation goes to the purchase of comfort toys for pediatric patients and the children impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Collaborating With Core X Studio to Provide Stuffed Comfort Toys to the Children of Western North Carolina Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene Outreach
More Updates Coming Soon -
We're incredibly excited to be working with Core X Studio of Greensboro in a collaborative effort in bringing more donations of comfort toys to the children of Western North Carolina Impacted by Hurricane Helene.
From November 8th through December 6th Core X Studio will be accepting new stuffed toy donations on behalf of The Best Friends Project in our mission to bring comfort to the children of Western Carolina who lost so much to Hurricane Helene. We invite all community members to drop off a new stuffed comfort toy to Core X Studio.
Any new stuffed toy of any size, and any character are appreciated.
The Best Friends Project is truly grateful to Core X Studio as their enthusiastic support and compassionate commitment to helping children in need have made this effort possible.
Donate securely through Venmo.
100% of. your donation goes to the purchase of comfort toys for pediatric patients and the children impacted by Hurricane Helene.
A sincere thank you to Summerfield and Oakridge Communities for their support of The Best Friends Project
Hurricane Helene Outreach A Sincere Thank You to Our Community Drive Supporters!
Your generosity raised over $600 dollars so far in funding donations that allow for the ordering of more new stuffed toys, along with many new stuffed comfort toy donations being given directly to TBFP for the children impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western Carolina. As well as donations of cold weather clothes, and blankets for the families of Western Carolina.
Stay tuned for updates on when the new comfort toy orders come in from our collaborative partners at Toys & Co. of Greensboro, and the deliveries to Western Carolina that will follow.
Donate securely through Venmo.
100% of. your donation goes to the purchase of comfort toys for pediatric patients and the children impacted by Hurricane Helene.
More Upcoming Events & News
We can’t say enough about what incredible support Molly and Shannon have inspired in their Core X community for The Best Friends Project and our outreach to the children of Western Carolina.
A Partnership with Core X
continues to grow in support of the children of Western North Carolina
Follow us on our Instagram, and Facebook pages for more detailed updates on progress and deliveries!
Donations keep growing!! Thank you Core X community!
Unboxing Reveal Day!
What stuffed comfort toys arrived in one of many of our orders?
One of our comfort toy delivery days! Headed to the Western North Carolina Mountains again in support of the children impacted by Hurricane Helene !
Another successful delivery of comfort toys! Trips to the mountains to support the children impacted by Hurricane Helene has broadened our mission for pediatric patients to also providing stuffed best friend comfort toys for children facing extraordinary difficult and challenging times.
More website updates added weekly!
Follow us on Instagram for additional news!
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More stuffed comfort toy orders arrived! Thank you Toys and Co. of GSO for your partnership, and providing wholesale costs to The Best Friends Project so we can reach more pediatric patients and children in crisis.
More website updates added weekly!
Follow us on Instagram for additional news!
Contact us to learn how you can help, or make a donation to help pediatric patients, and children in crisis through our mission to make sure they have a comforting best friend to hold onto in difficult times.
More website updates added weekly!
Follow us on Instagram for additional news!
Just a small amount of the clothing The Best Friends Project was able to gather during donation drives in support of our fellow Americans of Western North Carolina who lost so much during Hurricane Helene, and are facing life threatening cold temperatures in the mountains this winter. A sincere thank you to all of you who have so generously donated new and like new warm clothing! You are helping make a difference!
Exclusive reveal
of just a few of the many new comfort
toy donations! Stay tuned for more reveals! Thank you all our generous big hearted donors!
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