From time to time, we will profile TCCC members who are making a difference in their communities, and in the world. These are people who give selflessly of themselves for the good of others.
In 2012, Marguerite Desrochers started Teddy Buddies with a simple belief rooted in basic kindness: the belief that “every child should have toys to play with.”
Teddy Buddies began with just 19 homemade stuffed toys for children in need. In 2017, they distributed over 3300 toys to Friends of the Community Food Pantry and St. Louis Child Care, both in Biddeford, and to Partners for World Health in Portland.
For Marguerite, this is a mission.
“I have toys in four bedrooms of my house. We collect them from yard sales and from individuals who drop toys off by the bagful at my home. They are washed, dried and mended before they are distributed to the people in need. Every toy is individually wrapped in plastic bags.”
To date, 11,000 toys have visited Marguerite’s washing machine.
There is always a need for more toys. Some of the Beanie Babies go to third world countries for children with medical needs. Stuffed bunnies come out at Easter, and Christmas-themed toys in Decmeber, but Marguerite distributes toys all year long.
Right now, Marguerite’s “wish list” for continuing her work includes:
- AA and AAA batteries
- unscented laundry detergent
- 2-gallon plastic bags
She also accepts board games, cars and trucks, books, puzzles and dolls.
If you have toys or other supplies to donate, please contact Marguerite Desrochers at 207.282.1326, or reach her on her Facebook page, TeddyBuddiesByMarguerite.
