Project HAPPIE is dedicated to providing local schools with books and toys related to Down syndrome to create a more inclusive environment for all children.
This project started as a way to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, March 21st. (People with Down syndrome have 3 copies of the 21st chromosome, so 3/21 is a great day to celebrate them!) Every year, our family celebrates our wonderful daughter, who was born with Down syndrome.
In 2022, we decided to raise money to provide Down syndrome toys and books to preschools in Northeast Missouri. We remembered our daughter’s joy at the doll with Down syndrome she got for Christmas. Seeing her joy made us want to spread that joy to others. That’s why our donation packages contain dolls with Down syndrome and books about Down syndrome.
People can be scared of things they don’t understand, and these books and dolls help kids and teachers learn about Down syndrome together. Plus, they allow kids with Down syndrome to play with dolls that look like them! We hope our donations help people realize we’re more alike than different and beautiful things can come from our differences.
You can donate to Project HAPPIE at our GoFundMe page. As we grow, we hope to be able to accept other forms of support as well. Thank you for spreading joy and Down syndrome awareness!