A friend to many of us Dollie ladies, Palisadian Betty Jo Tilley, participated on a medical mission trip to Baja California, Mexico, and asked to take dollies and teddy bears along.  Of course we said YES!
Here are some reflections Betty Jo had of her experience as a Dollie Ambassador:
“Having known of your work for a few years now, I was really anxious to pick up the two large boxes of dollies you had so lovingly made for my medical mission trip with White Memorial Medical Center, Los Angeles, to Valle de la Trinidad, Baja California, Mexico.
Little could I have imagined how truly beautiful the dollies and teddies would be.  Each one is so magical with its unique blanket, dress and hair for the girls’ dollies and neckties for the boys’ little teddies.  And as delighted as I was when I first saw them, I could never have predicted the impact I would witness them making on the children in the remote, dusty little town of Valle de la Trinidad and its orphanage and school!
Now I understand what Dollies Making a Difference really means. I witnessed the joy in the children’s eyes and the smiles of disbelief and ecstasy on their faces.  Thanks to you, I now know the power of a single gift to a child in need.
Throughout the five day medical mission, I never saw a child with a toy, a teddy or a doll.  The town we visited is 2.5 hours away from any medical facility and the people there are so needy.  I had never visited an orphanage before and the day I spent there will be indelibly marked on my heart and my life forever. Â
Moreover, the true understanding of how meaningful the work that you amazing dollie makers do will sustain my hope for the children I met more than the work of our mission ever could.
Because of you, we have touched these children and enriched their lives more than a few days visit could ever do. Â We have given them something that is theirs and that they can call their own, when otherwise they have so little. Â Something that loves them unconditionally and something they can give their great love to.
Maybe this will not be fully understood by someone who has not witnessed children in need receiving your dollies and teddies, but I am certain anyone who has experienced the power of your work knows exactly what I mean.
Thank you for the work you do. Â Thank you for helping so many children around the world. Â And thank you for allowing me to be a Dollie Ambassador! Â Of this, I am so proud and grateful!”
Betty Jo Tilley
*******
WOW…. We Dollie ladies could not be happier!  Thank YOU Betty Jo !!!
*******
“The photos of girls and boys pictured below with dollies and teddy bears are from the orphanage in Valley de la Trinidad. The few adults pictured with dollies act as “mamas” or “tias” in the orphanage.  These ladies were so enchanted by the dollies that they asked if they could possibly have one for themselves?!”
“To Give is to Receive”Â