A local girl from Blenheim is turning her massive collection of stuffed animals into Christmas gifts for the less fortunate.
Ava Verkaik said she is donating 200 of her 235 TY Beanie Boos to the Ridgetown Salvation Army to ensure they continue bringing smiles to local children this holiday season. The 11-year-old began collecting the stuffed animals four years ago and said it was time to pass them on.
"I'm getting older and I've grown out of them but I thought it was a good idea to donate them to the kids that are in need and don't get many Christmas presents," she said. "It makes me feel happy that I'm going to put a smile on their face."
Verkaik said she plans to give the remaining 35 Beanie Boos to her siblings and keep just a few for herself.
"I kept a few that are meaningful to me but the other ones, I've cherished them and had them for a while, and I think it's good for them to go to people that are in need," she said. "I just felt that people that don't get as many things deserve something."
Verkaik's mother, Jodie Spacil, said her daughter had a real passion for collecting the stuffed animals, even naming each one and giving them birth dates. She added that it was about a month ago when Verkaik approached her about what she wanted to do with the Beanie Boos.
"She had actually had said to me, 'what about kids that are in need' and to be honest that brings tears to my eyes. She's very, very generous," said Spacil, adding that she is unbelievably proud of her daughter's thoughtfulness.
