Dolls Lebanese American Sue Hammoud made for underserved children. She gives them away as gifts to little girls during Christmas.  PHOTO: Courtesy of Hammoud family

DEARBORN - When Sue Hammoud makes dolls for underprivileged children, she tries to imagine the facial expressions of little girls when they’re opening up the gifts, because it gives her inspiration and pushes her to create the best doll possible. Hammoud who is Lebanese, has been making dolls for Goodfellows charity since 2010. The first year she made 32, in 2011 48 and 60 this year. She told The Arab American News she plans on making 75 for Christmas 2013. Hammoud puts a great deal of effort into making the dolls. Each one can take up to three hours; one reason she makes them months in advance.

Hammound has received a lot of positive feedback about the dolls. “Giving back makes me feel very happy. It’s a good feeling,” she said.

The dolls are featured in different outfits including elabotate wedding gowns and occassion dresses. They have different skin color and ethnic backgrounds so that every girl can identify with one. 

While the charity provides Hammoud with the dolls, she designs and purchases the materials and accessories for them herself.

Hammoud uses quality material,, much of which comes from Lebanon. “My mom always makes sure she uses the best material. I know it’s good fabric, because it’s the same material she used to make mine and my sister’s wedding dresses with,” Elvana Hammoud, Sue’s daughter, said. 

Sue visited the United States from Lebabon recently during Ramadan. She is a doll collector and has a large showcase of dolls in Lebanon. 

Another charity Elvana and Sue are involved in provides assistance to foster children who have been abused.