The National Toy Hall of Fame has inducted a doll with Northeast Georgia roots into its 2023 class.
The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York announced last week that "Cabbage Patch Kids" have been inducted in the hall of fame's 26th class. The dolls were created in Cleveland, Georgia.
Margaret McLean, Director of Corporate Communications for BabyLand General Hospital in Cleveland said it's a great achievement for the dolls to join the hall of fame.
"We were extremely excited to be inducted in this year's class," McLean said. "It was based on a popular vote, so we have gone through this process before and people have voted, but this year we made it."
The dolls were inducted this year along with baseball cards, Nerf toys and the Fisher-Price Corn Popper. McLean said the hall of fame determined nominees based on longevity, play value and creativity.
Creator of "Cabbage Patch Kids" and Cleveland native Xavier Roberts issued a statement saying he was honored for the Kids to be inducted.
"The Strong Museum understands the importance of play as a way to share love unconditionally, individuality, multicultural play and the celebration of being one-of-a-kind. These cornerstones are so important to the imagination and compassion in a child’s development through role playing.,” Roberts said. “I want to especially thank all the local people who supported me in the very beginning -- without them Cabbage Patch Kids never would have become the international success it is today."
Cabbage Patch Kids were created in 1976 according to the company's website and BabyLand General Hospital is located in Cleveland. McLean said this news was a great way to kick off the Christmas season there.
"We are in the process of transitioning to the Christmas season, so BabyLand is decorating for the holidays," McLean said. "We currently have some collectors in town already, so it's a celebration in itself."
