Project 1,000 Hugs
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In June 2024, Hugs From Friends sent 1,000 Beanie Babies & Art to Children in Ukraine, they arrived safely at Ukrainian NGO Voices of Children in August, where they were distributed to children and families. Thank you to all the community partners for making this incredible donation possible.
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The children and families loved receiving the beanie babies so much, that we decided to keep the campaign going. You can still sponsor a shipment of beanie babies, create artwork or if you have beanie babies and would like to donate them, contact us.
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Media Coverage​​​​​​​
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Participating Organizations:
​Arkansas Arts Academy, Rogers
CHART-Communities Healing Through Art, Kansas City
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville
First Presbyterian Church, Bentonville
Willowbrook Elementary School, Bentonville
Samhati NWA
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​About Voices of Children​
No child of Ukraine should be left alone with the experience of war.
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The Voices of Children Charitable Foundation was officially established in 2019 by human rights activist Olena Rozvadovska and journalist Azad Safarov. Prior to that, the Foundation's team worked as volunteers near the frontline in the Eastern part of Ukraine and since 2015 had been organizing psychological assistance for children affected by the combat operations. About 120 psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists are working to ensure that Ukrainian children do not lose their childhood and smiles.
Voices of Children was ranked as TOP-10 the most effective charitable foundations in Ukraine by Forbes. The Foundation's work was also recognized by the world media - The Times, Associated Press, Sky News, CBC, ABC and others, as well as by celebrities such as Madonna and Oprah Winfrey
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YOU can help us ship more beanie babies and artwork to Ukraine:​
1 beanie baby = $1.20
5 beanie babies = $6.00
10 beanie babies = $12.00
20 beanie babies = $24.00
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Please add “Beanie Baby Sponsor” in the note field.
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How you can help: ​
1. We invite you and your organization to create artwork. Please mail the artwork to:
Hugs From Friends, 1402 SE S Street, Bentonville, AR 72712 ​
2. Sponsor the shipping cost for a beanie baby today! (see above)​
3. Spread the word!​
A family from Avdiivka about their difficult war experience