Lavender Life Company Donates 100,000 Stuffed Bunnies to Foster Children

Xander Friends bunnies filled with calming lavender help kids in need sleep better

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Lavender Life Company, a family-owned farm and product company in Caledonia, Michigan, has donated over 100,000 Xander Friends bunnies filled with real dried lavender to children in the foster care system across the United States. The program was inspired by the founders' grandson Xander, who struggled to sleep until his grandparents created a lavender-filled bunny for him. Now, every Xander Friends bunny purchased triggers a donation of one to a foster child, providing comfort and a sense of belonging to those navigating difficult circumstances.

Why it matters

The Xander Friends program highlights the power of small acts of kindness and how they can grow into something much larger. By providing a simple, therapeutic tool like a lavender-filled stuffed animal, Lavender Life Company is making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children in the foster care system, many of whom arrive with nothing. The program's expansion to reach children in every county in Iowa demonstrates its ability to scale and make a difference nationwide.

The details

The Xander Friends bunnies are handcrafted by Lavender Life Company using real dried lavender harvested on their farm. When warmed, the lavender releases a calming, natural scent that helps children relax and sleep better. The company's nonprofit arm, Xander Community, oversees the donation program, which has grown to reach partner communities in 11% of U.S. counties. Iowa became the first state where every county in the foster care system received a Xander Friends bunny.

  • Lavender Life Company was founded by Vic and Vickie.
  • The Xander Friends collection was created in response to Vic and Vickie's grandson Xander's struggle to sleep.
  • As of 2026, Lavender Life Company has donated over 100,000 Xander Friends bunnies to children in foster care.
  • Xander Friends bunnies will be available for purchase by families this Easter, Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Lavender Life Company

A family-owned farm and product company based in Caledonia, Michigan, specializing in lavender-based wellness products.

Xander

The grandson of Lavender Life founders Vic and Vickie, whose struggle to sleep inspired the creation of the Xander Friends bunnies.

Vic and Vickie

The co-founders of Lavender Life Company who created the Xander Friends bunnies to help their grandson Xander sleep better.

Xander Community

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring every child in foster care receives a Xander Friends bunny.

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What they’re saying

“We never imagined that one little bunny for our grandson would become something that reaches 100,000 children. But that's what love does — it multiplies.”

— Vic, Co-founder of Lavender Life Company (usatoday.com)

“There are 440,000 children in foster care in the United States every year. These children often arrive with nothing. We want every one of them to have something soft to hold.”

— Vickie, Co-founder and creative director of Lavender Life Company (usatoday.com)

What’s next

This Easter — Sunday, April 5, 2026 — Lavender Life Company invites families to shop the Xander Friends collection and be part of the mission. Each bunny purchased directly funds the next donation, ensuring the circle of comfort continues.

The takeaway

The Xander Friends program demonstrates how a small act of kindness can grow into a nationwide initiative to provide comfort and a sense of belonging to vulnerable children in the foster care system. By harnessing the therapeutic power of lavender, Lavender Life Company is making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of children in need.