Posted on 11/14/2006 11:13:58 AM PST by Tulsa Ramjet
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- A talking Jesus doll has been turned down by the Marine Reserves' Toys for Tots program.
A Los Angeles company offered to donate 4,000 of the 1 foot-tall dolls, which quote Bible verses, for distribution to needy children this holiday season. The battery-powered Jesus is one of several dolls manufactured by one2believe, a division of the Valencia-based Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co., based on biblical figures.
But the charity balked because of the dolls' religious nature.
Toys are donated to kids based on financial need and "we don't know anything about their background, their religious affiliations," said Bill Grein, vice president of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, in Quantico, Virginia.
As a government entity, Marines "don't profess one religion over another," Grein said Tuesday. "We can't take a chance on sending a talking Jesus doll to a Jewish family or a Muslim family."
Michael La Roe, director of business development for both companies, said the charity's decision left him "surprised and disappointed."
"The idea was for them to be three-dimensional teaching tools for kids," La Roe said. "I believe as a churchgoing person, anyone can benefit from hearing the words of the Bible."
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
That's because you're, um, old.
PING...
Baptist ping....
As a wife of a retired Marine I am very disappointed to hear this. Many have given their lives to preserve our freedom to worship. How ironic.
"I see dead people" on this thread.
"Yeah, but the salvation army rejects any used furnishings or appliance that appear to have been, well, used."
Well if they are REALLY used ... there is a point of no return and the dump is the next best home for the item.
"We must not live in a very poor nation when I had furniture rejected for donation because it was no longer in style (and FORGET about a used baby car seat)."
I've had no issues with them on a baby playpen, car seat, changing table, desk, bureau - in fact they picked it up at the house. It was in good shape.
"I unapologetically submit that Jesus is not a toy."
No one is implying that He is.
The doll is not the real Jesus and speaks Scripture.
"I unapologetically submit that Jesus is not a toy."
No one is implying that He is.
The doll is not the real Jesus and speaks Scripture.
Some of us have the Bible on CD or DVD - being spoken. You may object to the medium - a doll but for a child this is appropriate.
Give them to Operation Christmas Child!
BINGO !!! We have a WINNER !!!
The Toy COmpany should contact the Salvation Army. THey have a bunch of local 'toys for tots' campaigns, and just might be interested.
It seems like a double whammy, but then I know little of Judaic practices. Do Jewish kids get Christmas presents?
Trust me, my stuff was in great shape. I think it depends on the location (or maybe just the driver). I was able to get someone through our church to get the stuff to some needy people at least. They were VERY thankful for it.
Salvation Army is the best place to donate by far.
Are there any churches that *don't* collect toys for needy kids? Seems like the toy company could have called them instead of the media.
>> Okay. Action Figure then.
I just woke up the kids laughing at your response...
Your right. A truck or car would be more appealing to children.
I'll side with the Marines on this one. It's a waste if it goes to the wrong home. It's like giving Roseanne Bahr the wrong batteries for her vibrator, you don't get credit for the gift.
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