Local Rio Norte student Alison Jordan, 12, is collecting "fuzzy friends" to give to underprivileged children who otherwise might not get any presents for Christmas.

She was inspired when she decided to downsize her own stuffed animal collection, which she built over the last six years. She decided to pass them on to children in need.

"I had so many (stuffed animals) and I didn't want them that much any more," Jordan said. "I didn't want to just throw them away, so I decided to give them away as gifts for Christmas. I'm going to give them to kids at the homeless shelter who don't really have anything."

Jordan's cleaning spree turned into a full-fledged stuffed animal drive when she partnered with her friend Emma Broon, 12, and they received more donations from their friends.

"I have probably about 50 (animals) but I'm still collecting more," she said.

Jordan's mom, Lisa Jordan, said Alison wants to hand-deliver the stuffed animals to kids.

"She decided to personally give them to kids who don't have anything," she said. "She wants to make sure that kids receive them."

Alison plans to take the stuffed animals to kids at the homeless shelter and in the hospital.

She also wants to adopt a family with kids through the post office's program.

"No child should be without a toy on Christmas morning," she said.

This project has taught her daughter to let go of things that were so important to her for so long, Lisa Jordan said.

"I'm so proud of my daughter and the values she has learned over the years," she said. "She is so caring and just wants to give."

Jordan is still collecting fairly new stuffed animals, especially build-a-bears.

She is also looking for more children to give the animals to.

To donate stuffed animals or to nominate a child for one of Jordan's gifts, call (661) 296-9891.