By Sharonne Hayes, American Red Cross

A torn seam. Missing stuffing. A worn appearance from years of being loved.

Most people would see a stuffed animal ready to be discarded.

Twelve-year-old Sadie Hutson sees something different: the chance for a second life.

Together with her mother, Sadie rescues stuffed animals from thrift stores and carefully washes, repairs, re-stuffs and restores them by hand. Soon, those bears, rabbits and other beloved companions will find their way into the arms of children recovering from home fires and other disasters.

In many ways, the journey of the stuffed animals mirrors the journey facing the children who receive them.

When children experience a home fire, they often lose more than their belongings. They can lose the things that make them feel safe and familiar during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. That's why American Red Cross disaster volunteers often carry stuffed animals when responding to disasters. While small in size, these comfort items can provide reassurance to children facing uncertainty, loss and the long road to recovery ahead.

Earlier this year, as supplies began running low following an increase in home fire responses involving families with children, Disaster Program Specialist Jon McCollum turned to the community for help.

Sadie answered with 114 restored stuffed animals.

After learning about families affected by disasters, she knew she wanted to help.

"Hearing the stories was a little heartbreaking," Sadie said. "That's why I did it."

For McCollum, who spent more than two decades in fire and EMS service before joining the Red Cross, the donation represented more than stuffed animals.

"A lot of times children get overlooked in the initial stages of a disaster," he said. "We want to make sure they are taken care of immediately as well."

For a child who has lost treasured belongings, a teddy bear cannot replace what was taken by a fire. But it can offer comfort, a sense of security and a reminder that someone cares.

To recognize her generosity, McCollum and fellow Red Cross volunteers recently presented Sadie with a Certificate of Appreciation at the Central Surry Volunteer Fire Department.

The recognition wasn't what motivated her. In fact, Sadie was hesitant to share her story publicly at all. She ultimately agreed because she hoped it might encourage other young people to make a difference in their own communities.

"As long as you do it through the kindness of your heart, you can do it," she said.

What began as a simple act of kindness has become an ongoing family project. Sadie continues to rescue, restore and donate stuffed animals, ensuring more children affected by disasters receive a small source of comfort when they need it most.

Because sometimes recovery starts with rebuilding a home.

And sometimes, it starts with a stuffed animal.