“For some of them, this may be their best friend,” said volunteer Erika McLemore.
LEANDER, Texas — As residents of Sandy Creek are continuing to navigate the aftermath of recent flooding, a group of dedicated volunteers from Leander is offering a unique form of relief, by recovering and restoring children’s stuffed animals.
The initiative, known as the Sandy Creek Stuffie Project, is a joint effort between local volunteers and the organization Land of Lovies. Spearheaded by volunteer Erika McLemore, the project works to repair, replace or restore stuffed animals that were damaged or lost in the floods.
Since beginning work in the Sandy Creek neighborhood, McLemore and other volunteers have matched at least 10 stuffed animals to their original families. For many, these plush toys hold significant sentimental value and offer children a sense of familiarity and comfort amidst the disruption.
“They’re precious. They hold the kids’ memories and their happiness. For some of them, this may be their best friend,” said McLemore. “And just something like this that they can hold, it is real. It is full of their love and good memories, is a very grounding experience for a kid and a comfort item.”
McLemore explained that the cleaning process can be intensive. Many of the items found are covered in mud and may contain toxic mold or bacteria. Volunteers carefully wash the toys by hand, often removing and replacing the original stuffing to ensure the toys are safe to keep.
Social media has played an important role in helping volunteers reconnect families with recovered toys. McLemore regularly posts updates and photos online in hopes that someone will recognize a lost item.
Those who find stuffed animals or other personal items in the Sandy Creek area are encouraged to bring them to Round Mountain Baptist Church, where a lost and found has been set up.