On November 30, the Build-A-Bear Workshop transformed into a space of magic, mindfulness, and meaning during Hands Shaping Hearts, a sensory-friendly event co-hosted by Love Without Borders USA and the Autism Awareness Alliance (AAA) in Princeton. 

Children on the autism spectrum were invited to bring or create a beloved plush companion and take part in a heartfelt makeover—each becoming the author of their own transformation story. Whether it was a cuddly bear, treasured doll, or handmade creation, Hands Shaping Hearts celebrated the simple, powerful joy of creative play—reminding us that love, when shaped by hand, leaves the deepest imprint. 

For 6-year-old Lucy, the experience was nothing short of transformative. 

“I want a white puppy. Her name is Buddy.” 

It was the first time she had ever spoken a full sentence aloud in public. 

Lucy carefully selected a fluffy white puppy, filled it with stuffing, picked out a blue backpack, and recorded a voice message to place inside: 
“Hi, I’m Buddy.” 
“It’s Buddy,” she whispered, beaming with pride. 

To many, it may have looked like a fun family outing. But for Lucy and other children at Hands Shaping Hearts, each decision—every texture, color, and name—was a powerful act of self-expression and autonomy. 

“This was the first time she’s ever named anything,” said Lucy’s mother. “And she chose every detail herself—we didn’t guide her at all.” 

The event marked AAA’s first-ever hands-on autism activity day, thoughtfully designed to provide a calm, respectful, and sensory-aware environment. Trained volunteers supported each child as they brought their plush friends to life—selecting fur, stuffing it by hand, choosing outfits, recording a voice message, and signing a birth certificate. 

“Many of these kids don’t speak much in everyday life,” shared volunteer Kiki Liu. “But here, they communicated through creativity, textures, and small choices. Every stuffed animal reflected a part of its creator.” 

A designated quiet zone allowed children with sensory sensitivities to take breaks and rejoin when ready—helping ensure that every child felt safe and included. 

“Here, I didn’t have to apologize for my child’s behavior,” said June, mother of an autistic child. “I could just watch him smile and make choices in his own way. In that moment, I saw how brave he really is.” 

There were no loud performances, no applause—just gentle encouragement, soft lighting, and real inclusion. 

“For many autistic children, being seen doesn’t mean standing on a stage,” said Sean Xu, AAA Chair and event organizer. “It means taking time to press a button until it works. It means quietly choosing an outfit or finishing a toy at their own pace. Our job is to make that feel safe and celebrated.” 

This Hands Shaping Hearts event is part of a larger movement by Love Without Borders USA and AAA in Princeton to build inclusive, cross-cultural experiences for neurodiverse communities. Their recent initiatives include sensory-friendly festivals, service dog showcases, and cultural workshops—all working toward a barrier-free world of belonging. 

“We weren’t just helping kids build bears today,” said volunteer Oscar. “We were learning how to build a more inclusive world—one stuffed animal at a time.” 

And somewhere tonight, a white puppy named Buddy, with a soft voice that says, “Hi, I’m Buddy,” is being held close by a little girl named Lucy—and that quiet embrace might just be the warmest moment of all. 

This unique Build-A-Bear experience was more than a craft activity—it was a celebration of identity, imagination, and joy. From selecting accessories to recording voice messages, children became creators, storytellers, and designers—shaping not just toys, but memories and confidence.