Among the items being rejuvenated are classic Barbie dolls and a Kung Fu Panda toy that raises its paw in celebration. This community-driven project in the Venezuelan capital began with a poignant question posed by a mother: What should be done with all those toys that children outgrow?
Mirady Acosta, a 63-year-old architect and representative of the Hospital for Soft Toys, shares that the inspiration stemmed from a conversation held by Lilian Gluck, a teacher who contemplated the fate of toys as her students began to leave the country in 2017. The idea of discarding the toys felt wrong, as did allowing them to become ruined over time. Gluck decided instead to wash, mend, and ultimately donate these toys to pediatric patients at the University Hospital of Caracas.
The initiative gained momentum, leading her to establish the Hospital for Soft Toys as a nonprofit foundation at her home, where volunteers could gather to restore not only toys but also educational games. Presently, around 60 volunteers meet regularly, contributing their time and skills to this worthy cause, resulting in the recycling of approximately 70,000 toys over seven years.
In addition to local contributions, the foundation also welcomes donations from outside the country, including school supplies, food, diapers, and shoes—an invaluable support amid the ongoing economic struggles and political challenges facing Venezuela.
For many volunteers, including 72-year-old Silvia Heiber, participating in the project is therapeutic. She expressed, “By doing this, all of us who come here are in therapy, a therapy of support for one another.” Meanwhile, veteran volunteer Mirna Morales, aged 76, described her experience with the project as among the best she had ever encountered.
During the repair process, 84-year-old María Poleo was busy mending a large stuffed animal, commenting on the simplicity of the tasks since many of the volunteers have sewing experience. On days when toy repairs might seem to dwindle, a timely delivery of more boxes and bags promptly refreshes the workload.
The restored toys are not only sent to hospitals and schools located in underserved neighborhoods, but are also distributed to homes for the elderly—anywhere that could benefit from a touch of affection.
Each toy is accompanied by a heartfelt message that beneathlines the importance of recycling: “Hello, I am your new friend. I am a doll with experience because I played with another girl. Love me and take care of me and I will do the same with you. When you grow up, give me to another girl who will cherish me and play with me like you do.”