Kelsey Cook, her sister, and their friend started the Barbie Toy Drive after the release of Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie.
"I mean it's just been really one of those heartwarming things," she said. "It's been so fun for everybody to go down memory lane, and you know, go and shop for the Barbies, and be able to give Barbies to kids in need in the community."
"I just think it's really wonderful, because Toys for Tots does a great job, you know, they're everywhere, but we just thought, with the Barbie movie, that there would be a higher than average need for Barbies this Christmas."
The dolls will go to Friendly House in Davenport.
People can drop-off unopened Barbies and Barbie accessories at Brick and Motor Boutique, both Milltown Coffee locations, and Edison's in Bettendorf.
Cook says the dolls can be a creative outlet for kids. And now, more kids can see themselves in Barbie.
"It's almost like having the representation in Barbie gives you a chance to, I think, play around with who you are," she said. "You gravitate to a Barbie that looks like you, and you want to experience things through Barbie. It's a way of being part of this iconic phenomenon that is Barbie."
The team also designed and donated a Barbie-themed Christmas tree to the Festival of Trees. It'll be raffled off to benefit Quad City Arts.
The toy drive ends on Nov. 19.
