American Girl dolls have been popular for many years (“American Girl mocks homeless situation,” YourViews, Nov. 2). Each doll has a specific strength and represents a different period in history. In addition to the doll, one can purchase over $1,500 dollars worth of clothing, accessories and furniture items.

American Girl recently released Gwen. Her story differs from the others.

Gwen is not only homeless, but her father has walked out on the family and her mother lost her job. One might question, “What is the positive message that can be received from this storyline?”

Gwen costs a “mere” $95. Who is going to buy this doll? A homeless child?

To make matters worse, American Girl has not made provisions to donate any of the proceeds from this specific doll toward organizations to help the homeless. American Girl is going to make a profit by mocking the plight of a homeless child.

The 2009 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count summary report estimated 50,000 people are homeless in Los Angeles at any point in time. When projecting these figures across America, there are easily millions of homeless people in this country. For a company to think they can make a profit based off the unfortunate is unthinkable.

Over the years, I have enjoyed my American Girl dolls. I am disappointed in the direction American Girl has gone with the Gwen doll.

My hope is American Girl will donate all profits from this doll to charities supporting the homeless.

Anna Fritz, Normal