Central Ohio non-profit delivering stuffed animals to hurricane victims

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Hurricane Helene and Milton struck around two months ago but the impact is still being felt from destroyed homes to lost loved ones. Back in central Ohio, a local non-profit was looking for a way to help.

“As we watched the midst of the hurricane rescue and recovery efforts in North Carolina, we knew we couldn't just sit here in Columbus and do nothing,” said Kristin Martin, founder of Way to Battle.

Martin and her family started Way to Battle with the goal of showing people that they are not alone. They deliver stuffed animals called Battle Pups in an effort to provide comfort amid hardship. “It's really soothing to see a dog like this, even if it's not even alive, even the bigger kids like it,” said Zayden Zimmerman at Way to Battle.

Way to Battle has already sent thousands of Battle Pups to states hit by the hurricanes but this time they decided to deliver them themselves. Martin’s family and friends made the drive and delivered more than 9,500 Battle Pups to 30 schools.

“When we said the dogs were there for them, some of the kids started going crazy, like they were just running around saying Oh, my gosh, these are all for us, really?,” said Blake Martin at Way to Battle. The gratitude quickly followed the family home. Dozens of thank you cards were sent by students and teachers.

“Even though we are states away, we have not forgotten about them and we are continuing to think of them,” said Kristin Martin. The children that helped deliver these Battle Pups said seeing the hurricane damage firsthand put many things in perspective for them.

“It was like mind blowing and humbling to see how good we have it,” said Archer Zimmerman at Way to Battle. It was a community effort to be able to deliver this many Battle Pups. Kristin Martin said several local school districts fundraised for them and raised over $6,000. Other schools helped collar and pack the Battle Pups.

“It's really cool how our story has reached so many people in and throughout Ohio that have then jumped in and rallied behind us,” said Martin. Way to Battle was created after her son, Brady, was diagnosed with leukemia. He spent many days in the hospital receiving treatment so they looked for a way to bring some positivity in their lives. Enter the Battle Pups. Now Brady is cancer-free and he is still dedicated to helping others.

“For me, giving out Battle Pups takes my eyes off myself and puts it on other people and helps you have a better day,” said Brady Martin. Now that they are back home, Kristin Martin has been looking at nearly empty shelves that used to be stacked with Battle Pups. She’s laser focused on impacting even more people but said she can’t do it on her own.

“We are totally community funded and generosity driven. We do it through the generosity of others, paying it forward and giving back,” said Martin. You can find out how to support Way to Battle’s mission by following the link here.