Toys for Tots Rejects Donation of 4,000 Jesus Dolls
Jesus Doll Deemed Not Appropriate for Christmas Toy Drive
The talking Jesus doll is manufactured by Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co.'s Biblical doll unit, One2Believe, and quotes 5 bible verses. . The line of dolls is called "Messengers of Faith" and are intended to be teaching tools for parents and teachers.
Toys for Tots cited a conflict with religious beliefs as the reason for turning down the donation of talking Jesus dolls. Apparently, the organization has no information about the religious affiliations of the children who receive the donated toys and does not want to offend non-Christian families at Christmas by sending a Jesus doll.
Toys for Tots collects toys over 500 communities in 50 states and works with social welfare agencies, churches and other local organizations to collect and deliver toys each Christmas, usually on December 23 or 24.
The Toys for Tots websites states that the primary goal of the organization is to "deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders."
About One2Believe
The "Messengers of Faith" dolls were the idea of David Socha, one of the Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co.'s founders. The company's other original founder, Joshua Livingston, returned to the company to head the One2Believe unit. Livingston, incidentally, is Jewish. The company currently sells 5 biblical figures, which retail for $20 each on the company's website.
Published by Heather Lynn
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32 Comments
Post a CommentI still don't understand what the big deal was with the USMC. I bought one of these "action figures" for my son a few years ago. He likes it and keeps it on his bunk bed. Political correctness run amok?
Good job on this article. Some people just don't get it. People need to realize that Christmas was established to celebrate the birth of JESUS CHRIST, although everybody who cares knows we don't know exactly what day of what month he was born. Those who don't want Jesus brought into the Christmas celebration, need to start their own celebration for whomever or whatever it is they worship. Like maybe money and popularity. Oh wait! We already have about 364 days where that is worshipped, don't we?
I'm waiting for the matching Mary Magdalene doll so I can play DaVinci Code.
Incidentally, the Toys for Tots program was conceived by a woman, Diane Hendricks, who had knitted a red rag doll and wanted to provide Christmas gifts for underprivileged children. Mrs. Hendricks was observing Christmas as a Christian and wanted to help those in need. Whether her traditions of Christmas are rooted in the transformation by the Christian religion of pagan rituals seems irrelevant. Her belief, that she was celebrating what Christians believe to be Christmas, is what is important - and it was about giving and being kind to others. This program obviously has obviously welcomed all people, regardless of their religious beliefs, because that's what Christians are supposed to that and that's what good people of any religion do. The point is, there are homes for those dolls and it was a generous donation. Why should people/kids who actually welcome the dolls be punished? This organization works closely with religious organizations - there was definitely a workable solution for
Agaric, I have to admit that when I first heard about the talking Jesus doll, the idea seemed a little odd, but not completely out of line. Yes, I'm a Christian, and I grew up going to church. (And I celebrate Christmas.) Some of the teaching tools for children were velcro (biblical) characters that attached to a board. They're excellent visual tools and they help children learn the stories. There is no mal-intent with this Jesus doll.
This is ludicrous. This Nation was founded as One Nation Under God, as well as In God we Trust, which they are trying to remove from our currency. If I knew 4,000 needy children, I owuld write to this company and let them know I have a donation going and would accept them. But I don't so I can't. For those of you who think they shouldn't accept these dolls, you will be in my prayers.
"Beggers can't be choosers" is that what you really think of kids whose parents can't afford presents? I hope next year they give a bunch of poor kids tarot cards or horse manure since they are obviously not as good as the kids of the parents who can afford presents. Leena Christ taught us to treat each other as we would treat ourselves. Those kids deserve Christmas gifts that parents who can afford presents are buying for their kids.
What is amazing is how easy it is to manipulate some people. This was obviously a publicity stunt by someone who might have sold 4 of those cheap dolls. Shame on toys for tots for giving in to another ploy celebrating the true meaning of christmas in America-crass consumerism..
They have changed their minds and are accepting the dolls after all.
Wanted to let everyone know that Toys for Tots changed its stance and has decided to accept the Jesus dolls, noting that it has found an avenue for distributing them.