Why not? Our family sent 100's of flat rate boxes to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other places where we have troops. We went through Any Soldier and they often requested stuffed animals for the local children.
At the time, I saw media coverage of how the Muslims considered dogs unclean (this granddaughter is a future wildlife biologist, she loves interaction with nature and its creatures) and how in a world dominated by the Taliban dogs, cats, etc. were detested. And, of course, a Barbie without a burka was a no no.
I may have been off base, but at the time all I thought about was how we had been attacked, and how I feared for the future of this granddaughter and all children who will be here long after I am deceased.
Her parents, and most people I know, were/are not into anything except their own comfort, and having material comforts. I just felt she needed to be walked through a lesson on how freedom is not something many children across the globe will ever, or have ever, experienced.
I think she did eventually end up picking out a stuffed horse, some pajamas, school clothes and school supplies for the children there.