St. Johns County 11-year-old collecting stuffed toys for kids in Ukraine

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For weeks, we’ve seen the devastation and heartbreak of the war in Ukraine. It’s a heavy reality that isn’t lost on 11-year-old Sage Goodall. He’s been thinking about what children there are going through.

Sage said, “I think they’re feeling sad that their country is under attack and they have to leave everything.”

Sage told his parents he wanted to do something to help, and “Hugs for the Children of Ukraine” was born.

Sage said, “The kids of Ukraine need something to hug onto. So, I am collecting stuffed animals. So if they’re scared or sad, they can hug it and make sure they feel happy, joyful inside, not sad or scared.”

Mr. Chubby’s Wings off Village Circle is one of several locations across Ponte Vedra Beach that have special boxes set up to take your stuffed animal donations. Sage and his family hope to add boxes all across our area.

On April 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Mr. Chubby’s Wings is also hosting “Sage’s Stuffed Animal Karaoke Night.”

Sage said, “We are gonna do a night of fun activities. But the only way you can do (the) activity is if you have a stuffed animal and you put it in the donation bin. There are stuffed animal (claw) machines in here. So if you don’t have one with you right then, go and win one and then put it up.”

Sage’s family will drop off all the toy donations at Aspire Church San Marco. Aspire’s administrative assistant Cindy Graves told Action News Jax, that they are one of several churches in the community collecting a variety of donations for Ukraine, including children’s clothing and first aid supplies. Local organizers tell Action News Jax, that all of the donations are being put into shipping containers that will be taken to a port in Poland and then driven into Ukraine. Organizers say as the containers are filled up they will be shipped out.

Sage hopes everyone will take the time to give. He said, “May you please donate? They will love it. This would be great. If you could donate and just don’t think about yourself. Think about others.”

Sage is collecting new and very gently used stuffed toys for “Hugs for the Children of Ukraine.” There are collection boxes at PVPV Rawlings Elementary School, Emtec Inc., Mr. Chubby’s Wings, Marriott’s Cabana Beach Club, Trasca & Co Eatery, and Sawgrass Neighborhoods. Employees at UPS, Winn-Dixie, Fresh Market, and Publix in Ponte Vedra Beach are also contributing stuffed toy donations. If you would like to donate stuffed toys or request a collection box you can contact Sage’s family at: Goodallrlg@aol.com.

Aspire Church is collecting: new winter scarves, gloves, mittens, new socks and underwear, first aid supplies, toiletries and personal hygiene items, diapers and wipes, children’s clothing, and new stuffed animals. If you would like to donate to Aspire Church you can call (904)-396-6633.

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