Stuffed

Everyone remembers their first friend. It was fluffy, well worn, probably a little dirty from excessive handling, and might have been named Snoopy or Cow. It was likely your first friend to sleep over for the night, and it was hardly ever to leave your sight — and if it did — you were sure to let everyone in earshot know.

If you, or your child, has a severe attachment to some unlikely stuffed animal, you know. There's probably a long scientific paper explaining why humans connect with cuddly inanimate objects, but all we need to know today is that they bring comfort, smiles, warmth, and a deep connection that even us adults get when coming across our own stuffed animals that are decades removed from our youth. Go ahead and try not to smile when you stumble upon a childhood toy.

Gonzales High School senior Kora Kolle understands this. She has created the non-profit outfit Giving Hearts, which collects and distributes stuffed animals to orphan shelters, area nursing homes, disability centers, and hospitals. She also collects blankets and house shoes, items that often bring an extra level of comfort

Last year, Kora held a drive at the high school and got 35 animals donated. This year she decided to hit closer to the source, partnering with Gonzales Elementary so younger students can contribute. Her goal is 200 animals that she will give to places like Legacy Ranch and Warm Springs. To entice participation, she plans to hold an ice cream party for the class that brings the most animals.

“We make it fun for the kids,” Kora said.

Animals can be new or gently used, just nothing ragged or well worn.

Kora has been doing this stuffed animal drive for four years, the first two being at Shiner St. Paul High School and the past couple at GHS. The idea came together after she endured a long stint in the hospital her 7th grade year. An organization brought caregiving dogs into her room, and she credits that connection to helping her through difficult moments of rehabilitation.

“That joy helped me to walk again,” she said.

She decided that she wanted to create a similar experience in her hometowns to bring hope, joy, and comfort to orphan and nursing homes and disability centers.

“The joy on the kids' faces when they get their new blanket or toy is amazing,” she said.

One recent experience was at nearby Legacy Ranch — which is a temporary home for neglected and abused children looking for foster care. She recalls handing a stuffed animal to a girl, who in return passed it along to a baby. Kora witnessed a moment of compassion that was already beginning to spread from her good deeds to others within her reach. It is the relief that she sees in their faces knowing that someone is thinking about them and they are not alone when so much uncertainty surrounds.

Kora also visits a nursing home in Shiner where she helps with making jam and on bingo nights. Many of the residents don't get a lot of family visits, so that little bit of interaction helps them feel loved.

“They are a lot of fun and have a lot of stories to tell,” she said. “It's always a fun experience.”

Assisting is little sister, Sophia. She has been helping because of the bond that was made during Kora's hospital stay, where the sisters often could not speak to each other because of a quarantine. The experience has brought them closer together where they are now best friends.

But besides being a sis and bestie, Sophia is tapped to lead the way after Kora heads off to college next year. Her sights are on set on Texas Tech University, where she hopes to study microbiology and law patenting.

“I don't know how I'll do it without her, but I'll manage,” Sophia said.

Kora even enlists her mother in the cause, who bakes fresh cookies for the businesses that donate animals or cash contributions. Even with the help and the looming step beyond Gonzales, she isn't too eager to relinquish her role in Giving Hearts.

“I’m really attached,” Kora said. “I'd love to have a hand in it still. You have not seen joy until you see these kids receive gifts. It's an out-of-this-world experience. It's amazing.

“It's not something I want to give up.”

To contact Kora about donations, call 830-351-0559 or email kora.kolle@gmail.com.