Solace in stuffing

Imagine being in a foreign country, young and in need of surgery, lying there in the operation room with dim lights, strange faces and cold tools. A doctor from a faraway place plans to try and fix what is ailing you.

You’re scared.

To your left, lying on a small table, is an old stuffed animal, looking back at you.

Ah, comfort.

That is the peace of mind children at Newport Elementary School were sending to other children Thursday morning.

Students at the school recently donated and gathered more than 400 stuffed animals to donate to the Plasticos Foundation, a network of doctors who volunteer to perform surgeries in other parts of the world for children with birth defects, congenital malformations and traumatic disfigurements who can’t afford the procedures.

“It felt really good because all these stuffed animals that we love are going to someone who is going to love them more,” said Newport Elementary Student Council President Nikki Walsh, who helped organize the event as part of the school’s “Pillars of Character” program.

Walsh, 11, said she remembers one stuffed animal in particular, only a thumb’s length long, head barely hanging on after various restitchings, donated by a student at her school.

“Someone really loved it,” she said. “It is really special to have them give that up.”

Walsh got the idea from her mother, who is friends with one of the doctors involved in Plasticos, Dr. Robert Burns.

“We are very proud of our kids taking an interest in kids who don’t have it as well as they do,” Burns said.

Burns is a founder of Plasticos, along with Dr. Larry Nichter, both of whom work out of Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. The foundation has been in existence for 10 years, making about six trips a year to foreign countries to help 50 to 75 children per trip.

“We are a mobile army surgical unit,” Burns said.

The doctors bring with them surgeons, physicians, nurses and others to help the children in need. Fully funded by community donations, they also bring their own equipment and supplies, which they sometimes leave for the communities to use.

This morning, Burns will be picking up the stuffed animals, whose next owners will be in Ecuador. Burns said the animals are a much-needed addition, helping to bring happiness to children in tough situations.

“One of the ways to get the confidence of these children are the stuffed animals,” he said. “They know it’s going to be there afterward and can take it home.”

HOW TO HELP

For more information on the Plasticos Foundation, go to www.plasticosfoundation.org.

To send donations, get on a mailing list, or become a volunteer, contact Plasticos Foundation at: 7677 Center Ave., Suite 401 Huntington Beach, CA, 92647, (714) 902-1111 ext. 135

www.plasticosfoundation.complasticosfoundation@yahoo.com

DANIEL TEDFORD may be reached at (714) 966-4632 or at daniel.tedford@latimes.com.