Turn Play into Purpose—
Gift Hope and Healing Today!
Turn Play into Purpose - Gift Hope and Healing Today!
Welcome to Mountain Heirlooms: The Appalachian Doll Initiative,
—a Christian, family-led mission bringing comfort and joy to girls affected by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee and Virginia. With my daughters and the support of our Facebook community, we restore donated American Girl dolls into cherished companions of hope and healing for girls ages 6 to 13.
Over 460 delivered so far!
Over 460 delivered so far!
SPECIAL UPDATE: ANNA FOR TEXAS INFO:
Ship Donations to:
Mountain Heirlooms - TEXAS
3735 Cedar Hammock Trail
Saint Cloud, FL 34772
Mountain Heirlooms - TEXAS
3735 Cedar Hammock Trail
Saint Cloud, FL 34772
Play is a powerful form of therapy, helping children process trauma, regain a sense of normalcy, and find moments of joy in even the hardest times.
How to Apply For a Doll:
A THANKFUL MAMA
I wanted to say a HUGE thank you for the incredible and generous gift!!The Anna doll was just wonderful!
Harlow was over the moon on Christmas!!!
It’s been a rough few months to say the least and to see her sweet face light up like this was priceless and filled our home with such joy!!
The love that was put into this doll was felt throughout every moment as she unwrapped and looked at each special detail!
From the bottom of our hearts … thank you again!!!
Cody family
What is the Initiative?
Why the American Girl Doll?
Join the Movement
The Appalachian Doll Initiative began as a response to the devastation left by Hurricane Helene.
With so many children facing loss, we wanted to create a tangible way to bring healing and joy.
Each lovingly restored American Girl Doll comes with:
* Backpack
* Puppy companion
* Wig friendly hairbrush
* Mini doll Bible & Bag
* Extra Outfit or Pajamas
* Extra Outfit or Pajamas
* Story booklet about Anna the Appalachian doll
* Simple story to share the season’s hope
These gifts are more than toys—they’re tools for healing, helping girls navigate trauma and find moments of joy.
A Treasure Built to Last
When children lose everything, they need something enduring. American Girl Dolls were the perfect choice for them:
Longevity and Quality: Built to last, these dolls outlive current struggles and become cherished companions.
Practical for Transition: Complete with carrying cases, these dolls can travel easily between homes or temporary shelters.
Healing Through Play: Play therapy helps children process emotions, offering comfort and a sense of control.
Stories of Strength: Each doll has a unique Appalachian story to connect with girls, reminding them they are seen and supported.
Shop our Amazon Wish List
Visit our ongoing wish list of items from $2 and up! There is something for every budget.
Buy the book: The Miracle of the Mountain Quilt Proceeds go towards the initiative.
Donate Gently Used Dolls: Help us restore and repurpose pre-loved American Girl Dolls. Send us gently loved doll clothes
Shop: Shop for doll dresses on Etsy, Ebay and Marketplace, Handmade dresses, outifts, and non AG brand clothing are welcome!
Shop: Shop for doll dresses on Etsy, Ebay and Marketplace, Handmade dresses, outifts, and non AG brand clothing are welcome!
Learn More & Get Involved: Visit our Facebook group, join the community to see updates, stories, and more ways to participate.
Hear Their Stories....
Love Spread through the Mountains
Come along with us as we spend the day hosting an Anna Doll Tea Party in Burnsville, NC for many girls who have recieved an Anna doll.
We also brought 27 Anna dolls to give for those who came that didn't have one. It was the best day!
We also brought 27 Anna dolls to give for those who came that didn't have one. It was the best day!
Turning Tragedy into Triumph—
One Doll, One Book, One Child at a Time!
A collection of heartfelt creations designed to inspire healing, faith, and resilience:
The Miracle of the Mountain Quilt
A powerful Appalachian tale of faith and community.
Every book you purchase helps us create more Appalachian Dolls for girls who’ve lost so much.
Every book you purchase helps us create more Appalachian Dolls for girls who’ve lost so much.
Together, we’re not just telling a story—
we’re stitching hope and healing into the hearts of children in need this season and beyond.
A powerful Appalachian tale of faith and community.
Every book you purchase helps us create more Appalachian Dolls for girls who’ve lost so much.
Every book you purchase helps us create more Appalachian Dolls for girls who’ve lost so much.
Together, we’re not just telling a story—
we’re stitching hope and healing into the hearts of children in need this season and beyond.
Brave Hearts, Mountain Roots
A journey of hope and empowerment for girls rebuilding after the Helene.
Filled with affirmations and heartwarming illustrations of kindness, courage, and community, this book inspires resilience and celebrates the brave hearts of Appalachian girls everywhere.
Ages 4-11
FREE to download or BUY hard copy
FREE to download or BUY hard copy
A journey of hope and empowerment for girls rebuilding after the Helene.
Filled with affirmations and heartwarming illustrations of kindness, courage, and community, this book inspires resilience and celebrates the brave hearts of Appalachian girls everywhere.
Ages 4-11
FREE to download or BUY hard copy
FREE to download or BUY hard copy
Join our Facebook Group
🤝 Connect with others who care deeply about bringing hope to children.
💌 Hear heartwarming stories of impact and resilience.
🎁 Learn how you can contribute—whether through prayer, donations, or spreading the word
🤝 Connect with others who care deeply about bringing hope to children.
💌 Hear heartwarming stories of impact and resilience.
🎁 Learn how you can contribute—whether through prayer, donations, or spreading the word.
MEET ANNA, THE APPALACHIAN DOLL
Each doll is paired with a beautifully designed brochure that’s so much more than a piece of paper—it’s a treasure trove of meaning!
Inside, you’ll find an inspiring Appalachian story to connect with the heart of the child receiving it, practical tips on how to care for their doll to make it last, and a glimpse into where these special dolls came from.
Packed with encouragement and hope, this brochure ties the entire mission together—offering a message of resilience, love, and the power of community.
Each doll is paired with a beautifully designed brochure that’s so much more than a piece of paper—it’s a treasure trove of meaning!
Inside, you’ll find an inspiring Appalachian story to connect with the heart of the child receiving it, practical tips on how to care for their doll to make it last, and a glimpse into where these special dolls came from.
Packed with encouragement and hope, this brochure ties the entire mission together—offering a message of resilience, love, and the power of community.
Thank you so much!! I am so excited for my daughter. This is so special what you and your daughters are doing for the people of WNC. What a blessing!
My family and I are very grateful for the gift for Mariajose, she for her part is happy and eager to uncover it, but until December 25 she will be able to do it, God bless you and your family! Thank you so much!
Pineda"
It’s been a rough few months to say the least and to see her sweet face light up like this was priceless and filled our home with such joy!!
The love that was put into this doll was felt throughout every moment as she unwrapped and looked at each special detail!
From the bottom of our hearts … thank you again!!!
Cody family
Oh Thank you so very much!! This kindness will always be treasured by 3 special little girls!
God Bless you!
S.Goforth
WHERE DO YOU FIND THE DOLLS?
We’ve sourced our dolls from Goodwill, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and donations for our online community.
Then, we hunt down clothing bundles and handmade dresses- many made by our community members.
Every part of the process has been intentional, from cleaning and refurbishing the dolls to dressing them beautifully and thoughtfully.
Thank you all so much! This ministry is a creative one and also so helpful to the children who have experienced a major disaster. We appreciate all of the time and care that you all have taken with each and every doll!"
Thank you so much for your kindness and love. I know these past 6-7 months have been hard on kids in this area. They have had to adapt to a lot of changes (mine specifically has been sharing their school with another in our area because their school was flooded). Thank you for all you have done!
McKenzie was so excited and kept talking about how her Anna doll had glasses just like her! It was late when we got home so she insisted on wearing the matching nightgown. She is already planning all of the fun things they are going to do together. Thank you all so much!
Thank you very much you guys have made two girls very happy in the midst of grieving their grandmother my girls have gone through so much from dealing with the hurricane losing personal belongings to being scared of not having our home once the storm past to them months later loosing their grandmother who they loved more then anything and was so important to our lives we will not be the same without so thank you very much these dolls mean the world to our family and have brought smiles and happiness to us more then we can explain thank you again .
WHAT'S INSIDE?
Practical for Transition: Complete with carrying cases, these dolls can travel easily between homes or temporary shelters.
Each lovingly restored American Girl Doll comes with:
* Backpack
* Puppy companion
* Wig friendly hairbrush
* Mini doll Bible
* Story booklet about Anna the Appalachian doll
We are forever grateful for your selfless support and the dolls. The girls were so surprised and happy to receive them.
You all are making a huge emotional impact on these kids. Every storm, helicopter, or story on the news about hurricanes send my girls into a terrible slump. It is almost like PTSD. We pray constantly, and I make them aware not to question God because this was apart of his plan. You all do not understand the extent of the impact this has made! God bless you all.
She is over the moon! Never had a doll this fancy. She keeps it safe in its case when she’s not holding it close and playing with it. Her little sister Avery was very happy to be included with the pup!
She's so happy. She said "She's the best doll ever!" and she's been playing with her since she opened the box. She loved everything about her. I was going to wait for her birthday next month but I couldn't. She got very quiet for a while and I went and checked on her and she had drawn a portrait of her Anna doll. She is calling her Anna.
WHO'S THE FURRY FRIEND?
Each Appalachian Doll comes with a plush puppy sidekick—because every girl deserves a loyal friend!
These cuddly pups add an extra dose of love and fun, reminding each child she’s never alone.
Whether it’s for adventures or snuggles, this little companion is all about bringing smiles and comfort to their journey. 🐾💕
Our community in action—each donation brings hope and joy to a child in need!
GIFTING HOPE
Every item donated, whether from our Amazon Wish List or gently loved dolls and clothing, plays a crucial role.
From hairbrushes to tiny shoes, these thoughtful contributions help us transform each doll into a cherished companion, ready to bring comfort and joy.
Your generosity fuels this mission—!!
NEW SIBLING PUPPY BUNDLE
🐾 NEW: Sibling Puppy Bundle is HERE! 🐶💕
As many of you know, we’ve added something extra sweet to a few of our Anna dolls...
Now introducing our *Sibling Puppy Bundle!* 🐾✨
Each sibling ages 3-5 of an Anna the Appalachian Doll recipient will receive soft puppy companion, blanket , Brave Hearts Mountain Roots coloring book *and* a special brochure about her new pup—and how they help each other through the hard days.
Because sometimes, what a little girl needs most…
is *someone else* to take care of. 💗🐕🦺
🐾
One doll. One puppy. One powerful way to remind little sister that she’s not alone.
You can’t rebuild a child’s world, but you can give her a friend to face it with.
From Loss to Joy: Bailey’s Story
In a last minute miracle, Bailey received Anna...
You may remember this post in our group: “A friend sent me to this group, and I have to say, it brought tears to this momma’s eyes. The mission behind this group is absolutely incredible.
We live in Burnsville, NC, and my business was completely destroyed by Hurricane Helene. The day before the hurricane hit, my daughter Bailey was with me at my store, and she brought along her beloved American Girl doll, Lilly.
As we rushed to leave for my parents’ house in TN, Lilly was left behind in the chaos. The store was a total loss, and despite all the cleanup, Lilly was nowhere to be found. Of all the things we lost—antiques, treasures, memories—I only hoped to recover Lilly for my daughter.
When I came across this group, I wasn’t looking for sympathy or even a doll for Bailey. I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you to the person who started this group and to everyone who supports it. Thank you for creating something beautiful out of something so devastating. Thank you for thinking of our daughters. “
But here’s the part that brings it full circle…
In a last-minute miracle, Bailey received Anna, The Appalachian Doll, and her joy was everything we hoped for and more.
From mama: “She was so excited! And totally surprised! She loved reading Anna’s story. And is all about her being from WNC.
When she saw the package in the mail she was determined that would be the first gift she opened."
Thank you so much again for inspiring little girls and for giving back something so special that was lost. I know Bailey will cherish Anna forever
Kenlee’s Story: A Gift That Heals
"It made her feel like her experience was important..."
Last week, Kenlee’s mom shared her story with us, and it’s one that truly sticks with you.
“ My daughter, Kenlee, has been obsessed with learning about weather and natural disasters.
We live right in the middle of Swannanoa and Black Mountain, NC, where the president visited today.
She constantly asks if we'll get a hurricane when it rains. We tell her we live in a special place, a valley, and hurricanes never hit us.
Hasn’t happened in 100 plus years.
However, on September 26th, we woke up with no power or cell phone service.
Days later, we lost our water too.
For two days, we were stuck in our neighborhood due to falling trees and a raging river. We couldn't check on our family.
This experience changed Kenlee's personality and behavior majorly and I felt helpless as her mom.
A few months later, we still drive through a war zone every day. Kenlee asks, 'Mom, when will everything not be broken?'
First time Kenlee took a bath she cried. Thankful to take a warm bath. She still ask everywhere we go if she can drink the water or use it. Anytime we get rain, sheer panic and fear.
This week, we received a box for her, and I was overwhelmed with emotions. Watching her unwrap every little thing and light up was amazing. We've felt forgotten in WNC, but this gift made me feel seen.
I struggle with survivor's guilt because we didn't lose our home, we're not living in a tent, I didn't have to carry my baby on my back, hanging onto debris in raging water, or being stuck on top of my house. I feel incredibly blessed.
BUT this gift was for Kenlee, and it was healing to receive. It made her feel like her experience was important, and she's important too and people out there are praying for her and love her.
Thank you doesn’t even feel sufficient.”
💕
Kenlee’s mom said it best:
“𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙞𝙛𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙆𝙚𝙣𝙡𝙚𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚. 𝙄𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙤.”
Meet Addi, a brave and beautiful girl whose journey is so inspiring! ✨
Last year, Addi faced a difficult challenge when she was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata, a rare autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. Despite the rapid changes, Addi embraced her journey with courage, even making the bold decision to shave what little hair remained. Through it all, her light and love for others never wavered.
✨✨✨✨✨
When Hurricane Helene devastated her community in September, Addi and her family, like so many others, were deeply impacted. But rather than dwell on their loss, they asked, “What can we do to help?”
From that moment, Addi has been a beacon of hope—sorting and delivering supplies, helping families in need, and bringing joy wherever she goes.
From that moment, Addi has been a beacon of hope—sorting and delivering supplies, helping families in need, and bringing joy wherever she goes.
When Addi’s mom reached out to request a doll, we asked if Addi might prefer one without hair, to which she said -yes. -
So, the girls and I made a special trip to the American Girl store to pick out the perfect doll for her. 🛍️
So, the girls and I made a special trip to the American Girl store to pick out the perfect doll for her. 🛍️
Today, we are thrilled to share that Addi received her doll—a reflection of her strength and beauty.💝
MEET THE TEAM
Things can get a little crazy around here! But one thing is for sure!! They LOVE what they are doing!
AS FEATURED ACROSS AMERICA
Dolls sparked the story. But love is what made the headlines.
From a national feature on CBS Mornings to regional coverage on FOX Carolina, and a beautiful conversation with My Best Friend’s Quilt Shop, the world is watching what’s happening through this movement of hope, healing, and faith.
💬 We never sought the spotlight—God brought it. And we’re here to make every second of it count.
👇 Click below to watch, read, and be part of the movement:
WE SHIPPED OUR 400TH DOLL!!
HOST A SUPPLY DRIVE
Are You Ready to Make a Real Impact?
🚀 We’ve made it EASY! We provide EVERYTHING you need:
✅ Editable Canva flyers
✅ Social media images to share
✅ We even cover shipping to get donations to us!
Carrying Case
New Wig Hairbrushes
🎀 Collect Gently Used American Girl Dolls & Clothes – The heart of our mission! Teams can set up donation bins to collect gently used American Girl dolls, outfits at their location.
🎒 Gather American Girl Doll Carrying Cases – Each doll comes with a bag for keeping the dolls safe as they travel to their new homes.
📖 Sponsor or Fundraise for Coloring Books – Our Brave Hearts, Mountain Roots coloring books help girls in WNC and TN process trauma through therapeutic play. Teams can raise funds to purchase these books at wholesale so we can include them in each doll shipment.
🎁 Purchase & Donate Items From Our Wishlist – We have an Amazon Wishlist with essential doll accessories like mini Bibles, brushes, carrynig case, shoes, socks, and extra outfits. Even small contributions go a long way!
📦 Host a Supply Drive – Gather specific accessories we include for each doll:
Carrying Case
New Wig Hairbrushes
Pajamas for 18"in dolls
Doll shoes, socks, tights
Mini size Doll Bibles
📣 Spread the Word! – You can help by sharing our mission in your churches, schools, and communities to help more people get involved.
🔨 DIY: Make Doll Accessories – For crafty girls, they can sew doll blankets/sleeping bags as well as 18" doll dresses.
✨ Host a “Doll Restoration Night” –
If your team is looking for a hands-on service project, they can restore dolls they've collected by cleaning, brushing hair, dressing them, and preparing them for delivery to our headquarters!
If your team is looking for a hands-on service project, they can restore dolls they've collected by cleaning, brushing hair, dressing them, and preparing them for delivery to our headquarters!
Questions? Email Us!
Contact us at: angela@miracleofthemountainquilt.com
We accept gently used and new American Girl Brand dolls.
We also accept any 18inch doll brand clothing and accessories, handmade doll quilts, handmade dresses.
We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization as recognized by the IRS.
Shipping Address:
Mountain Heirlooms
3735 Cedar Hammock Trail
Saint Cloud, Florida 34772
We also accept any 18inch doll brand clothing and accessories, handmade doll quilts, handmade dresses.
We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization as recognized by the IRS.
Shipping Address:
Mountain Heirlooms
3735 Cedar Hammock Trail
Saint Cloud, Florida 34772
Watch our interview with My Girlfriends Quilt Shoppe to hear our full story!
Start at 19 min in.
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