The doll studio at Aquinata Hall in Grand Rapids, Michigan is full of busy hands and delightful chatter. It has been an especially busy place during most of 2021 as Sisters in the licensed nursing home operated by the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids lived with the restrictions of life during a pandemic.
Through the year Sister Nancy Malburg, a Grand Rapids Dominican, has focused on doll creations. Sr. Nancy designs each doll, cuts all the pieces, and packages them to send forward to dollmakers.
The finished dolls are donated to Bethany Christian Services in Grand Rapids. Bethany supports vulnerable kids and families with foster care, adoption, refugee support, and more. The newest dolls were shared with children during a back-to-school drive. Michelle Roub, community engagement supervisor at the agency, shared her appreciation in a note.
“Our back-to-school drive was a huge success! Children happily picked favorite dolls. All the kids loved this! There was a little girl who insisted on getting a doll with brown skin, a boy doll, so they could ‘talk’. We appreciate the diversity of the dolls so thoughtfully created by the Sisters!!
“We will also be sharing dolls with the Afghan arrivals who are coming to West Michigan. They have been through so much I know these dolls will offer some comfort and joy for the children,” said Michelle.
Gallery
