Rosa Scott student collecting stuffed animals for tornado victims

Rosa Scott ninth-grader Molly May discovered how stuffed animals bring children comfort in times of trauma and stress, and decided a sweet way to help Rolling Fork and Silver City tornado victims was to collect as many stuffed animals as possible for the children there. 

May’s project, called “Love You Lovies,” involves collecting stuffed animals and delivering them personally to Rolling Fork and Silver City. The project even includes Make-A-Wish Mississippi children. 

She described the project as a wonderful service opportunity to help children in need. 

“As a child, I can’t imagine what it would feel like to lose everything, including my favorite stuffed animals,” May said. “I am hoping this will help in some way, replacing at least one. I hope I can bring as much joy into their lives as this will bring into mine.” 

May’s goal is to collect at least 150 new stuffed animals, which she calls “Lovies,” to take to Rolling Fork and Silver City. 

“I want to collect as many as I can to be able to supply fire departments with Lovies, too,” May said. “I know there are so many people out there saying ‘what can I do?’ This is something really simple and fun to do.” 

Once collected, each “Lovie” will be bagged and adorned with a big bright bow and delivered personally to children. Drop-off locations for the Lovies include all Madison Fire Stations and the Madison City Hall.

The collection deadline for the Rolling Fork and Silver City Lovies is May 5, but the Make-A-Wish collection will stick around and stay ongoing. May plans to pick up donations from each Madison Fire Station and Madison City Hall on May 5. 

May’s grandmother, Cheryl May, is playing a role in the project and said her granddaughter thought the tornado tragedy was sad and that donating the stuffed animals would be a sweet thing to do for the children. 

“I’ve read that giving a child a stuffed animal calms them,” May said. “We thought it was a great idea.” 

May said her granddaughter started the collection right after the tornado hit the Delta last month. 

“We talked to the mayor and we texted back and forth with her, and it kind of blew up from there,” May said. “We’re going to be making the rounds at more fire stations over the next week and the mayor’s office has already gotten donations. We’d love for Madison County School classes to participate along with local businesses, church groups, and more. It’s a great way to give your time for people who are less fortunate.”

Anyone who is interested in donating a stuffed animal can drop one off at any Madison Fire Station or Madison City Hall. For more information about the project, email loveyoulovies@gmail.com.