I’ll admit it–the whole American Girl doll phenomenon kind of freaks me out. Not in concept–what kid wouldn’t want to see a toy that looked just like them? We all wanted that and would have been thrilled to have our likeness done up in miniature when we were young. No, what freaks me out is when, on the commuter train into New York City, I see what is usually a couple of moms, each with their daughters, and each daughter carrying a carbon copy of herself in American Girl doll form. I know they are all headed to the flagship American Girl Place store in Times Square, maybe to buy some new outfits for both the breathing and non-breathing young ladies. An extra shiver runs down my spine when they match their wardrobe EXACTLY with the dolls, and if mom has a matching sweater as well, or headband, and it is no joke to tell you that is often the case, it qualifies as super creepy.
HOWEVER, the American Girl folks do have their hearts in the right place, and are looking for ways to inspire girls to get involved in community service. In conjunction with the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel and Children for Children, upon check-in, the young hotel guest receives a Peace Bracelet Service Project kit, designed by Children for Children, for ages 5-15. The kit includes a “how to” guide on creating the bracelet and background on the charities—a women’s shelter or soup kitchen—to which the donation is going. For each bracelet the youngster makes and donates, Children for Children will mail the young guest a certificate acknowledging the volunteer’s work. The kit is a great way to introduce global issues affecting women and children and helps teach young people how they can make a difference in the lives of others. Guests can also participate in Children for Children’s Service Projects of the Month, should visits coincide with the organization’s schedule (check the schedule on their website here). These are volunteer opportunities in the greater NYC community for ages 5 to 18, accompanied by an adult if under 13.
It is a great way to give back, getting the whole family involved, when visiting New York City.
Change by Doing 
Posted by Anonymous on May 23, 2013 at 4:21 AM
that is great but did you knwo American Girl supports abortion. The media spinns abortion as a right, but does not go into the long lasting mental dissabilities women incure from abortion, or as in the latest horror Gosnell. Matel also supports women’s right to harm themselves. So does mr Obama
Posted by Anonymous on May 23, 2013 at 4:29 AM
The Girl Scouts support abortion also. Be aware of who is in your children’s lives. On the surfface are genuine well meaning parents working hard for their children through these organizations, but children are making money to support harm to babies. Ask a child would removing a human fetus before it could be born a good thing. Children generate lots of money for these causes. Most parents I speak with do not know. The only sure thing is the Boy Scouts, they even have a program for girls that teaches real meaningful skills.