FAIRBANKS — Dolls made in Zimbabwe by orphaned children are reaping benefits for themselves and their families — namely food and medical care — and building a relationship with whomever purchases their handmade creations.

The charity was started by former Fairbanks resident Dennis Gaboury, who has been living and working in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, since 2005. There he developed and ran a city-wide toy competition that eventually evolved into the Zimkids Orphan Trust.

Gaboury, a sculptor, utilized his degrees in special education and business administration to develop the nonprofit charity, and his art and other contacts throughout the U.S. to raise funds for the charitable trust.

The children’s artistic endeavors are made from scavenged materials and odds and ends. They not only earn money for them but link them to buyers. Each doll is accompanied with a photo and letter from its youthful African maker.

Gloria Slagle at St. Raphael’s Church has been circulating the dolls in Fairbanks for anyone interested in not only helping out orphans but also getting a glimpse into their everyday struggles to obtain an education and life of dignity.

Slagle takes a photo of each doll buyer and sends it to the child through Gaboury. The buyers, if they choose to, can write to the maker to create a connection and enlarge their world.

Gaboury distributes 100 percent of the toy sales back to the 160 orphans who live with extended family members in Pumula North, one of Bulawayo’s poorest neighborhoods. The proceeds are used to buy food and pay for school fees, clothing, medical supplies or other necessities. Sadly, one boy’s doll profits went to pay for his casket and funeral after he died of AIDS.

Donations also are welcome for pressing items such as hygiene products for girls, underwear and scabies medication, which costs about $5 per person.

Gaboury said donations made to the Zimkids Orphan Trust before Dec. 1 will be matched by Global Giving at www.globalgiving.com.

A video detailing the Zimkids project can be viewed at www.zimkids.com.

Anyone interested in purchasing a doll, may contact St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, 457-6603. After Dec. 8, Slagle may be reached at 590-0476 or gslagle@acsalaska.net.

Contact staff writer Mary Beth Smetzer at 459-7546.