There’s really no sadder abandoned toy than an ownerless doll. Kids play with dolls because dolls are the actors in little narratives. With the case of my old Barbie dolls, they were probably more unwilling actors, but at least they got to participate.

Thrift-store dolls don’t get to participate. Maybe some little girl or terrifying matronly aunt eventually rescues them from limbo, but for now they just stand and wait. Nobody to tell their stories. Nobody to imagine them as a real girl. No personality. No appreciation. No respect.