Nine-Year-Old Spreads Joy To Other Girls

NORFOLK
A story that made the national evening news surrounds the kindness of a 9-year-old local girl. Gianni Graham, of Norfolk, decided, last Christmas, that she wanted every girl who was in foster care or shelters to have a doll as her personal friend. Her goal was to collect 1000 Barbie dolls and distribute them to agencies that assist girls needing a “friend.” Donors from all over the world liked what Gianni was doing and lent support by sending dolls to her “Every Doll Deserves a Doll” campaign.

Their generosity helped Gianni exceed her initial goal. Now she has expanded the goal to 5,000 Barbies. With the guidance of her mother, Whitney Graham, grandmother Mechell Graham, aunts, other relatives and assistance from a circle of friends, Gianni has begun distributing dolls. Recently, she delivered more than 500 dolls to The Up Center in Norfolk. Other distribution events are scheduled throughout the remainder of this year, including a trip to Haiti. For additional information go to www.1K BARBIES FOR 1KGIRLS.COM.