The local branch of Saint Elizabeth Healthcare is collecting stuffed animals for students with special needs.
Campaign organizers Amy Anderson and Amy Richardson say the initiative started when Anderson visited some of their pediatric patients at school and recognized a need. Anderson says children with development disabilities, as well as physical illnesses, can find great comfort in the touch of a plush toy.
Each stuffed animal comes with a tag that says “Spread hope and happiness” and Richardson says they would like to give an animal to every student in the classrooms, not just those who have nurses with Saint Elizabeth. Richardson adds that some of the stuff animals can actually be used during therapy, as a replacement for less personal objects.
All bears collected will be given to children in the Ottawa area and organizers say they are willing to pick up from people who cannot drop them off. Anyone who is interested in donating is asked to contact Saint Elizabeth’s, either at 613-784-9061 or [email protected].