A trip to the ER can be very stressful to a child. More than 12,200 children were admitted to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital’s Emergency Department last year. You can help ease that experience by participating in Henry Mayo’s annual teddy bear drive, April 1 through 30 and donating a new stuffed teddy bear or other plush animal.
Henry Mayo originally started collecting the bears and other stuffed animals in September 2012 to celebrate National Teddy Bear Day. Since then, the collection drive has grown into a month-long event. You can help us provide comfort to children during their ED visit by donating a new 9- to 12-inch teddy bear or other stuffed animal friend.
“This is an opportunity for the Santa Clarita Valley to show our kids that we care,” said Maria Strmsek, Director of Volunteer Services at Henry Mayo. “We’ve had tremendous support from the community in the past and we look forward to surpassing our collection of more than 5,000 plush animals last year.”
In addition to individual donations, more than 40 organizations, businesses, non-profits and schools donated stuffed animals in 2015, according to Strmsek.
Amanda Benson, co-organizer of the teddy bear collection drive, saw first-hand the benefits her own child experienced as a Henry Mayo ED patient several years ago when he was given a teddy bear. Benson has since taken an active role in collecting donations for the annual drive.
“I want to thank the community for the continuous support and generosity,” she said. “I look forward to surpassing 5,000 this year.”
For more information and drop-off locations, please call Strmsek at 661.200.1500 or Benson at 661.714.9443.
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2 Comments
Katie Petrelli recognize anyone?
Do these teddy bears have to be brand new – out- of -the- box? Because I have teddy bears that are new but not just out of the store/ box ? Please let me know. Thanks! jW