BELLEVUE, Neb. (KMTV) — One Omaha woman is doing something special for children in need. Despite her own difficulties, that hasn't stopped her from making stuffed animals for kids going through tough times.
"I feel it's you're never too young, never too old, never too well, never too sick that you can't do something nice for someone," said 90-year-old Bonnie Gampper.
Gampper lost coordination in her legs due to multiple medical conditions, so now she turns to her hands for daily tasks, including sewing. With her sewing machine, Gampper is making stuffed animals for kids in need. She makes around 40 a month, and more than 400 a year. They go to children through a program called Project Hope Pack, where they receive things like hygiene items and Bonnie's stuffed animals. It's usually during a time of crisis like being removed from their home.
"Maybe when they're handed that little stuffed animal, I know they're frightened, and they could be crying, and maybe it will put a smile on their face," said Gampper.
"Being able to open the pack and find something that is just for them that is theirs, that can provide them some sort of comfort is really important," said Kim Thomas, of CASA.
CASA is now helping with PHP. Thomas says children going through the foster care system is tough, but kind gestures like this can help.
"This is a shining example of how everybody can make a difference in a child's life, and that's really our mission is to make that difference," said Thomas.
Gampper says she doesn't consider the sewing work and is looking forward to making the new batch of animals for this month, and the months that follow.
"I enjoy it, it's doing it for others, and that makes me feel, just great," said Gampper.
Visit casaomaha.org to learn how to donate to PHP.
