Summit Charity Gets A Special Gift: 'Bumble' Dolls For Seniors

Summit NJ

03 December, 2020

3:54 PM

Description

SUMMIT, NJ — Seniors need food, care, and kindness, but who knew a specially designed doll — inspired when a Summit resident's sister was hospitalized—would help? A Summit-based nonprofit called SAGE Eldercare, which has provided resources and meals for local seniors since 1954, got a special gift recently: handmade Bumbles Dolls. The Bumbles were created in 2014 by Max Loeffler of Summit, and have been donated to charities and hospitals throughout the area, including SAGE. The dolls were inspired by Loeffler's sister, who was in the hospital for an extended period for an illness. She always carried her favorite doll around the house and at the hospital. SAGE helps local seniors live independently and runs a Meals-on-Wheels service and other programs. The seniors were excited to get the dolls along with their meals, a representative said. "We are so grateful that Max chose SAGE as a nonprofit to donate to," said Interim Director Marianne Kranz. "The look on the faces of our clients when the Bumbles were delivered was priceless. We thank Max and his family for their support and commitment to helping others." The introduction to SAGE came from Loeffler's grandfather, who is a SAGE Meals on Wheels client. The elder Loeffler still lives in Summit. "SAGE has had such a big impact on the community," Max Loeffler said. "It felt good to give back, especially during COVID-19." How you can help this holiday season Sage can always use other kinds of help and donations around the holidays. "We can always use donations," said a representative of the organization. "So thank you." To find out how to help, the website is www.sageeldercare.org. The direct link to the giving page is: https://sageeldercare.networkforgood.com/projects/32504-sage-eldercare-s-annual-fund. Since 1954, SAGE Eldercare, has had a goal: "helping make the communities it serves amazing places to age [and] lead the most independent and active lives possible." Bumble dolls SAGE is just one of the organizations the Bumbles company has helped recently. Loeffler was 17 years old when he started the organization. His mom, Vanessa, siblings, and various volunteers, have helped over the years to scout fabric, sew dolls and make deliveries. Since the beginning, Bumbles has collaborated with well known brands, such as Prada, and delivered to many nonprofits including: NJ Institute of Diabetes, hurricane victims in the Bahamas, Ronald McDonald House, Fort Bragg (special camouflage fabric had been donated), Overlook Foundation and Bonds of Courage. They have delivered approximately 2,000 dolls in six years. Loeffler said he is so busy, Bumbles is his full time job. To learn more about Bumbles Dolls visit: Bumblesdolls.com This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local nonprofits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know of a local organization that should be profiled, contact [email protected]. Got news? Email [email protected]. To be the first to get news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.