Royer Delivers Beanie Babies to Haiti

By Purnell T. Cropper | June 15, 2010

By Sarah R. Schwartz ’10

On June 1, Katie Royer ’13 left her hometown of Elgin, Ill., to participate in the 2010 Church of the Brethren workcamp to Haiti, a weeklong program designed specifically for young adults. She came equipped with two large suitcases stuffed with Beanie Babies.

With the help of family and friends, Royer collected over 500 of the Ty brand toys, 250 of which she was able to transport and give to the children at the New Covenant School in St. Louis du Nord, Haiti. She is currently deciding where to donate the remaining toys.

Though St. Louis du Nord was not affected by the January earthquake, the Church of the Brethren is attempting to provide continuing support through education. New Covenant School provides free education to children in St. Louis Du Nord, and is sustained entirely through donations. Workcamp participants helped community members with light construction on a new building as well as painting, clean up, and caring for the children.