A Doll Like Me

....because everyone deserves to look into the sweet face of a doll and see their own. Why dolls? The topic of inclusivity matters more than ever.

We minimize the importance of "seeing yourself" and downplay how this lack of representation plays out in a child's life - particularly in one of the most powerful industries in the world. The toy industry! WHO we see and HOW we see them makes a difference to a child's emotional development and growth. A Doll Like Me was born out of the idea that our unique differences make us beautiful. At the ve

ry heart of this organization is the idea that children need to see themselves in the toys that they play with. A Doll Like Me is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Donations from our global community ensure that dolls can be provided to families at no charge. Ordering:
You can order dolls here through Facebook messaging...but please understand that I am one person and I have been overwhelmed with messages (in a good way!) What this says is that we, the collective worldwide "we", are hungry for a new narrative...a paradigm shift. We know that dolls can have an incredible impact on the little people who love them. Thank you for your support and your patience. Donations:
I always say that dolls are a tangible form of "kindness." It is my sincere hope that no family will have to pay for their own doll. The kindness of strangers can create ripples of change for our most precious resources...our kids. It is verified here on Facebook, so you can donate (and receive a receipt) right here on the home page. You can also donate through PayPal ([email protected]) and GoFundMe. And, if you would like, you can always mail a check:
A Doll Like Me, Inc. c/o Amy Jandrisevits
P.O. Box 510641
New Berlin, WI 53151

Thank you for your support whether it's financial, through your skill set, or in talking about representation and why it matters. YOU have the ability to make a huge difference in the life of a child...

04/20/2026

I'm often asked which dolls have been the most difficult ones to make.
Sweet Sophia's was difficult, but not for the reasons you might think.
It's usually not the creative part that's hard. It's knowing the stories...talking to the parents and caregivers...and understanding that the time here on earth is nearing the end. For that reason, I really struggled with Sophia's doll.
You have to understand that these aren't just dolls. Not to the family and not to me.
They represent the work of art that lives, breathes, exists, and longs to be seen - a human life! Behind the dolls are children who are loved by people who desperately want someone to see the same beauty that they do. Even more than that, they want their children to see it, too.
For some of these kids, like Sophia, knowing that their time is limited and being able to have a tiny part in their lives is such a privilege and so incredibly humbling.
I remember when I first saw this picture, it took my breath away and I know it will yours also.
Natalie Weaver...I'm thinking of you as you approach her anniversary ❤

04/13/2026

We look alike! Even little ones can see the similarities..."When she saw the g-tube she pointed to hers."
’sAll

04/02/2026

“Some truths about people are so basic, so woven into daily life, that we stop noticing them. One of the deepest is this: every person, everywhere, carries the longing to be seen, heard, and valued.” (Divya Parashar)

Did you know that about half of the doll requests are for boys? Why is that?
It's simple. The longing for "being seen" transcends culture, race, economics, and gender.

03/30/2026

I happen to know the most beautiful children in the world.

02/17/2026

You look like me!

02/12/2026

I am absolutely thrilled to share this video.
If you live in or near Wisconsin, surely you’ve seen Attorney David Gruber - at the Milwaukee , the Milwaukee , the , on billboards, on TV commercials, on busses.

His tagline is “One Call, That’s All.”

Mr. Gruber was kind enough to make a generous donation to A Doll Like Me. Not only that, I asked if he would consider saying, “One Doll, That’s All!” What a good sport! You will never hear it the same again.

Joking aside, Mr. Gruber’s commitment to this community and beyond is so appreciated. I cannot thank him enough.

02/10/2026

Several years ago, I was talking to a group of kids about why inclusion is so, so important. I remember during the question-and-answer part, a little girl stood up and asked me - what's the hardest doll you've ever made?

It was a really good question.

Here's the truth. The hardest dolls to make are the ones going to kids that will leave this earth way too soon. This angel is one of them. Today is a heart-breaking anniversary for everyone who loved Harriet, and I am honored to have had the chance to make a doll for her.

02/09/2026

Why do I pour my heart into these dolls? Because of this….🩵
“Mom when I hug dolly it makes me happy” Berks dolly is her safe, she makes her feel seen and when she’s scared or sad dolly brings her peace. Forever thankful for a_doll_like_me for seeing Berkley for Berkley.

01/01/2026

Courage.
I've decided that that is going to be the word of the year.
There seems to be something symbolic in starting over - or starting fresh. There are so many hopes and wishes and expectations pinned onto the new year.
Will we wake up and things will be wildly different? Likely no. It doesn't work like that.
Here's the good news. We will wake up with an opportunity to MAKE things different.
I did a TED Talk on this - so that kind of makes me an expert, right?! 😜 We all have the power to make a difference, and we have a million reasons not to - "I'm too broke" "I'm too busy" "I'm too old" "I'm too young"...etc.
Bu what if you knew that someone somewhere was counting on you to be courageous? They are just waiting for you to come into your power. And what if, like an ember, your courage inspired theirs?
Let's mutually agree that the word of our year is going to be "courage" - the courage to make a difference, the courage to try something new, the courage to live into your purpose.
It starts today!

12/29/2025

I want to thank you for faithfully following the dolls and the sweet children they were designed for. I am certain that this doll community is comprised of the nicest people in the world. Most families (and even kids!) read your comments, so thank you for your kindness. As you know, words are powerful.

I can assure you that I have been sewing dolls, like always...except maybe at a frenzied pace!!! The holidays are always busy and my dining room table is covered with dolls waiting to meet their kids. Social media takes a back seat.

That said, I have some wonderful photos to share and some amazing stories I want you to know about. Stay tuned.

But first, I want you to know how much I appreciate you - your follows, your comments and likes, your advocacy, and your support. It feels like we are bombarded with bad news and stories that make our anxiety spike at every turn. There's no doubt that's valid.

I can also tell you that there is so much good in this world and I intend on sharing more of that. You (yes, you) have the power to make a difference. I want you to see that for yourself.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention this. Nonprofits (including mine) have taken a hit this year, so I'm asking you to support your favorites - even if it's not mine! People, now more than ever, depend on the services that we provide. Tell your family....your friends...your businesses (nonprofits are tax deductible organizations!) This is how we will ensure that more good is poured into the world. Today is a great day to make a difference 💙

12/02/2025

Here’s how the sequence goes: Thanksgiving… Black Friday… Small Business Saturday… Cyber Monday… and then Giving Tuesday. It feels a little ironic. After several days of buying and overspending, the final day in the lineup is the one dedicated to sharing with others.

People and organizations need us now more than ever before.

Every Giving Tuesday, I debate what to write because asking for donations for A Doll Like Me is way outside my comfort zone. I promise my board annually that I’ll start soon —that I’ll reach out earlier, that I’ll ask the doll community to consider A Doll Like Me in their charitable giving. And every year, I hesitate. Not because the need isn’t real, but because I know how meaningful your support already is.

This has been a big year for A Doll Like Me. Our reach now extends around the globe. I was even invited to give a TEDx Talk about the impact of dolls on children. The reality is that kids are in crisis and their mental health should concern all of us. The desire for visibility and inclusion transcends culture. It means that the deep longing of children to be seen, loved, and appreciated is universal. No matter where they live, children light up when they see a doll that looks like them—their physical differences, their unique skin, their scars, their medical journey, whatever their story might be.

And that is why your support matters.

A Doll Like Me exists because every child deserves to look into the sweet face of a doll and see their own. Each doll is a reminder: You belong. You are seen. You matter.

As we enter this season of gratitude and generosity, I’m asking—humbly and sincerely—that you consider A Doll Like Me in your Giving Tuesday contributions. Your donation helps place these dolls, free of charge, into the arms of children who need that spark of recognition and joy.

Thank you for being part of this community, for believing in the mission, and for helping us continue to put kindness into the world, one doll at a time.

11/26/2025

It might surprise you to learn that more than 573 million children live in areas affect by war or violent conflicts. That's almost one in five children!

I believe that it is my obligation to be concerned with the physical, mental, and emotional help of all children.

So what does that have to do with dolls?

Coincidentally my master’s thesis was on the healing power of play with “at risk” kids. I will save you the research. Here’s what I know. Dolls are quite possibly one of the most important tools in the world of play because they can help a child feel confident in who they are.

Fast forward a couple decades, and I KNOW this to be true.

These aren’t “just dolls” to the children who receive them. The dolls become an extension of the child.

They travel into war zones and military hospitals to comfort scared children…
they go into lifesaving surgical areas where helpless parents are not able to accompany their babies…they rest in arms of families who have had to say goodbye to children whose lives ended way too soon…they tag along to endless doctor visits and hospital stays...they offer tangible security to young children who sleep in unfamiliar
beds...and, perhaps most importantly, these dolls are validating, reassuring, and empowering in a world that often isn’t.

Address

Post Office Box 510641
New Berlin, WI
53151

Website

http://www.adolllikeme.com/

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