DAYTON, Ohio -- Two local hospitals are extending their care overseas. They are helping to comfort children in Iraq by sending Beanie Babies to U.S. soldiers.

Soldiers are trying to comfort the children with a little love from home.

Dixie Kirkland's office at Grandview Hospital is packed with Beanie Babies. Kirkland, who is an EMS coordinater, began collecting them after she got a request from a soldier in Iraq with whom she is pens pals.

Kirkland said, “He said they give them to children they run into as gifts, hoping to build relationships with Iraqi children."

Kirkland said not only do the loveable toys bring comfort to children, but she loves the idea of helping out.

She said, “It’s wonderful. I’d do anything for soldiers overseas. Knowing they’re helping children is wonderful.”

Close to 500 Beanie Babies have already been sent to Iraq, and employees at the hospital keep bringing more and more Beanie Babies in every day.

Susan Swisher is an emergency room nurse. She plans on bringing a whole box of the toys in.

Southview Hospital is also joining Grandview Hospital in collection the Beanie Babies. They are taking donations from the public.

If you would like to donate, you can drop them off at the emergency rooms.