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Lakewood Ranch girl makes 'Abby’s Love' toy bags to comfort kids in scary situations

Bags are handed out by Manatee County deputies
Abby Simpson
Posted at 3:40 AM, Feb 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-24 17:41:06-05

BRADENTON, Fla. — Abby Simpson is only nine years old, but the Lakewood Ranch girl is already doing very big things for kids her age.

Her “Abby’s Love” gift bags have helped comfort hundreds of Manatee County children in scary situations.

“I haven’t been in a situation like theirs, but I imagine they’re going through a lot,” says Abby.

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Raising money through donations, Abby stuffs bags full of toys and crayons and activity books. She then delivers the gift bags to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Abby's Love offers comfort, distraction, a moment of peace at a scary time.

“Whenever [law enforcement] gets called to a situation where there are children, they can give the bags to the kids,” says Abby. “I know that they’ll be happy, or at least happier, to have a bag of goodies.”

Abby has so far made more than 400 “Abby’s Love” bags.

She is not even close to being done with her mission. Abby would next like to expand to surrounding counties.

To learn more, visit the Abby’s Love Facebook page.