Squishmallow Drive for Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital

If you’re at all familiar with the stuffed animal market, then you’ve surely noticed that recently, there’s one brand that people just can’t stop talking about — Squishmallows. Squishmallows are soft, squishy, cuddly animals that come in a variety of different colors and sizes. They are SUPER soft and you can “squish” them, but they always return to their original shape. There are so many different types of Squishmallows and new ones are always getting released.

Out of all of my stuffed animals, my Squishmallows are my favorite! When I found out that Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital was asking for them for their patients, I couldn’t wait to help! This is how my Squishmallow Drive was born.

My mom had an idea to contact the manager at our local 5 Below store. He was extremely nice and helpful and he allowed me to come to the store to spread awareness for the Squishmallow Drive. I spent the day talking to people and telling them about the drive, explaining about Operation Spreading SMILEs and asking if they would like to donate a Squishmallow. To my surprise, so many people were kind and wanted to help! I am so grateful for each and every person that donated. I am also grateful that my friend, Chloe, volunteered her time to help me at the drive. I am thrilled that she has become just excited as I am for future community service projects!

The drive was a HUGE success! I had a goal of collecting 50 Squishmallows so that every child in the hospital would get one. I am thrilled to report that we achieved this goal! Thank you to everyone who supported this drive.

Delivering the Squishmallows to Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Office of Philanthropy was also very exciting. I felt so excited knowing these Squishmallows were going to make children smile!