About Feel Better Friends

Founded in 2014, Feel Better Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating and donating handmade dolls to children facing serious illnesses or disabilities. The core idea: to provide a child with a doll that matches or reflects their own situation—whether it be a specific physical difference or a particular preference—so that the child receives not only a friend, but one that sees them. Volunteers from across countries (seven countries, over 200 volunteers) contribute the time, skill, and heart to this project. FBF reports having provided over 10,000 dolls worldwide. 

Ways You Can Get Involved

Here are practical ideas for how members can support Feel Better Friends:

1. Join the FBF Volunteers in Training group on Facebook. There you will find the official FBF doll and wig pattern so you can get started on your FBF “test” doll. There is the option to become a volunteer if you are not on Facebook by downloading the FBF doll and wig pattern here.

2.Once you have the pattern you will make your test doll. The FBF Website gives these instructions for making a test doll:

"Choose a child you know, that you would like to make a doll for. We suggest that it be for a sick child in need BUT it is NOT required that the child be sick. Just be sure you have a photo of the child to match the doll’s characteristics to and you have permission to share it with us so we can see how well you can create a doll to match a child.

Then, make your “test” doll using the official FBF doll pattern and matching the characteristics of the child in the photo, such as eye and hair color and try to match their outfit to the best of your ability.  *Before starting your test doll please take a look at this “dos and don’ts” file to help you during your doll making process. 

Then, once you are done with your “test” doll and you are happy with it, send us a photo of the doll and child that you used for your inspiration.

If you are on FB, simply post the pics to the Volunteers In Training page with attention to an admins.

If you are not on FB, email the photo to us at fbfdolls@gmail.com."

3. Once your test doll is approved, you will then be given the information to become an official FBF volunteer and start receiving requests to make dolls for sick children in need.

4. You can also donate monetarily or donate supplies. Learn how to donate to FBF here.

Visit https://fbfdolls.org/ for more info on how you can contribute to the Feel Better Friends project.