What We Accept
What items do you accept?
We primarily accept handmade Dolls of Hope dolls and bears, Matchbox/Hot Wheels toy cars, and handmade wooden cars. We do not accept store-bought dolls or bears, only handmade ones using our patterns (or similarly sized stuffed animals approximately 12" tall).
If you've made something else and want to know if we'll accept it, email us a photo at [email protected].
If you've made something else and want to know if we'll accept it, email us a photo at [email protected].
Why only handmade dolls and bears?
We believe there is something special about a child receiving something made just for them. We truly believe children are able to feel the love put into each item — and that makers feel something special too, knowing their work will bring a child joy, comfort, and hope.
Do I have to use the Dolls of Hope patterns?
We prefer it, because it helps things run smoothly when distributing to large groups of children. However, we will accept other handmade stuffed animals that are approximately the same size and detail as our patterns (about 12" tall).
Is there a minimum number of dolls or bears I need to donate?
Not at all — one bear or one doll is just as welcome as one hundred. Each one will bless the life of a child. We are always accepting donations, as we are always filling and sending shipments.
Making Your Dolls & Bears
What fabric should I use?
Use soft, cuddly fabrics like fleece or minky. Flannel can be used, but only on one side of the bear (pair it with minky or fleece on the other side, as flannel is less durable). If using flannel, pre-wash and dry it first. High-quality quilter's cotton can be used for dolls, but we prefer it not to be used for bears.
How much fabric and stuffing do I need?
Each bear or doll requires two pieces of fabric, approximately 12" x 14". One yard of fabric yields about 5–6 bears or 8–9 doll bodies. Each bear or doll takes approximately 3–3.5 oz (70–80 grams) of poly-fil stuffing — a 10 lb box should fill 50–60 items. Bears should feel soft and a little squishy, not hard or limp. Make sure to fill all the way to the tips of the ears, arms, and legs.
How do I sew the face?
Hand or machine embroider the face using embroidery thread. If hand embroidering, start on the wrong side of the fabric so knots are hidden inside. A helpful shortcut: cut small felt circles for the eyes and nose, hand sew them on, then stitch a mouth. Do NOT use paint, markers, Sharpies, buttons, or French knots on faces.
Do you have patterns, video tutorials, or digital embroidery files?
Yes! All patterns are available on our Patterns page. Digital embroidery face files in multiple formats are also found there. We also have a short video tutorial on hand-sewing the seam closed here. We offer group trainings periodically — contact us at [email protected] for details.
We hope to create a "How to Make a Bear" video tutorial soon.
Please note: We recently found this video tutorial created by Sew Yeah Sew. We would like to note that the tutorial does not follow all of the instructions in our current "Pattern and Instructions Kit". It will provide a good overview of how a bear is made. There are a few things we would like to note specifically that are not best practices.
1) We ask that when using flannel fabric, it is only used for one side of the bear and not both the front and back of the bear. 2) Please do not use the little stick-like tool in the Poly-Fil box to stuff the bears, as we have seen the sticks push through the ear fabric, especially if one piece of the fabric is flannel.
3) Please do NOT machine sew the seam closed after you finish stuffing the bear. Sewing the seam closed will result in one leg not being stuffed adequately.
4) When using a zig-zag stitch to applique anything on the bear, please make sure to pull the threads from when you start and stop the zig-zag stitch through to the back of the fabric and tie them off so the zig-zag stitching will not risk unraveling.
We hope to create a "How to Make a Bear" video tutorial soon.
Please note: We recently found this video tutorial created by Sew Yeah Sew. We would like to note that the tutorial does not follow all of the instructions in our current "Pattern and Instructions Kit". It will provide a good overview of how a bear is made. There are a few things we would like to note specifically that are not best practices.
1) We ask that when using flannel fabric, it is only used for one side of the bear and not both the front and back of the bear. 2) Please do not use the little stick-like tool in the Poly-Fil box to stuff the bears, as we have seen the sticks push through the ear fabric, especially if one piece of the fabric is flannel.
3) Please do NOT machine sew the seam closed after you finish stuffing the bear. Sewing the seam closed will result in one leg not being stuffed adequately.
4) When using a zig-zag stitch to applique anything on the bear, please make sure to pull the threads from when you start and stop the zig-zag stitch through to the back of the fabric and tie them off so the zig-zag stitching will not risk unraveling.
Can I send unstuffed bears or dolls?
Yes! You can send unstuffed bears or dolls (with faces already sewn) and we will have someone local stuff them for you.
Can I make dolls for a group service project, corporate event, or Eagle Scout project?
Absolutely — we love it! Many groups run assembly-line style events. We've partnered with companies like Meta and Adobe, as well as Scout troops and other organizations. Contact us at [email] to get started or to ask about group trainings.
Can i embroider the face after the bear has been sewn together and stuffed?
Yes, you can embroider the face after the bear has been sewn and stuffed.
Thread your needle with embroidery floss, tie a knot, and insert the needle from the back of the head to where you want to begin stitching. Gently pull until the knot slips inside and is secured behind the face. Stitch the facial features using small, secure stitches.
When finished, push the needle out through the back of the bear, tie a knot, then pass the needle back through and out another spot so the knot is hidden inside the stuffing. Pull gently and trim the thread close so it disappears into the body.
You can find video tutorials on embroidering the face after the bear is finished here, and a tutorial for hand embroidering faces here.
Thread your needle with embroidery floss, tie a knot, and insert the needle from the back of the head to where you want to begin stitching. Gently pull until the knot slips inside and is secured behind the face. Stitch the facial features using small, secure stitches.
When finished, push the needle out through the back of the bear, tie a knot, then pass the needle back through and out another spot so the knot is hidden inside the stuffing. Pull gently and trim the thread close so it disappears into the body.
You can find video tutorials on embroidering the face after the bear is finished here, and a tutorial for hand embroidering faces here.
Donating & Getting Involved
How do I get started?
Download the patterns here, gather soft fabric like fleece or minky, and start sewing at home or with a group. If you need fabric, consider asking friends or family for donations — many people have fabric they're happy to give away. We also have fabric available for those who need it and can pick it up in American Fork, Utah
I don't sew, how can i help?
There are lots of ways! You can make a monetary donation to help cover shipping and materials here, donate fabric (locally or by mail), or share our social media posts to spread the word. Email us at [email protected] for our mailing address.
Is dolls of hope a nonprofit? Are donations tax deductable?
Yes. Dolls of Hope is a project of The Undaunted Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. All donations are tax deductible. EIN: 84-4242549. Learn more at [theundauntedfoundation.org].
Can i donate by check?
Yes! Make checks payable to The Undaunted Foundation and email us at [email protected] for our mailing address.
Shipping & Drop-Off
How do I ship my completed items?
We encourage makers to purchase shipping labels directly through Dolls of Hope at a flat rate of $25 per label. To purchase a shipping label, visit our shipping page.
Can I drop off items instead?
Yes! Contact us at [email protected] or message us on Facebook or Instagram for our drop-off location in American Fork, Utah.
How do I vacuum seal my items?
Instructions for vacuum sealing bears and dolls can be found on our Facebook group page here.
Our Mission & Impact
Where do the dolls and bears go?
We send items to organizations serving children in refugee camps, informal settlements, war zones, hospitals, orphanages, shelters, and impoverished communities around the world — as well as within the United States, including Native American reservations, foster care, and newly resettled refugee communities.
How many children have you reached?
As of the end of 2025, Dolls of Hope has sent over 120,000 bears and dolls, plus thousands of toy cars, handmade blankets, and knit hats to children in 53 countries.
How do you decide where to send shipments?
Organizations working with children in need contact us requesting a shipment. Before committing, we verify there is a reliable way to get items there. Most shipping costs are covered by generous donor support, with some international shipments facilitated by iDrive Logistics.
How will i know where my items were sent?
We share all shipments — including who made the items — on our Facebook and Instagram pages. If you don't include a note with your name or group name, your donation will be listed as anonymous. You can also see shipments on our [media page] even if you're not on social media.
|
Dolls of Hope is a project of The Undaunted Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. EIN: 84-4242549 All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law. 📸 All photographs generously shared by Steven Wood and David Lohmueller 🎥 Videos created by Erin Claytor of True Reel Media |
|