Community Corner
Local 'Wee Care Bear' Project Aims to Comfort Children
New or gently used teddy bears are being collected at Holland Elementary School through Nov. 11 to be given to children recovering from trauma situations.
One local organization is partnering with Council Rock schools and Northampton police to comfort children in trauma situations.
The Greater Newtown Exchange Club, along with the Council Rock School District and the Northampton Township Police Department, are working together to collect and distribute stuffed “Wee Care” Bears to area police departments.
The Wee Care Bears will be distributed by area police officers and community service organizations to children involved in trauma situations such as accidents, family disputes and abuse situations, according to information from the Greater Newtown Exchange Club.
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Staff and students at Holland Elementary as well as exchange club members are currently collecting donated stuffed bears for the project. They hope to collect “several hundred bears” according to organizers from the Greater Newtown Exchange Club.
The public can help by dropping off new or gently used bears for donation at Holland Elementary School weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Nov. 11. The school is located at 597 Beverly Road, Holland.
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In December, students, faculty and members from the Greater Newtown Exchange Club will sort and pack the donated bears. Organizers are planning a special meeting with police representatives to distribute the bears and do a training program.
Project co-chairs are Council Rock School Superintendent Mark Klein, Holland Elementary Principal Andrew Sanko, Greater Newtown Exchange Club President Scott Harp, Northampton Township Police Chief Michael Clark and retired Northampton Township Police Chief Barry Pilla.
Honorary Co-Chairs include former Newtown Police Chief Martin Duffy and retired police department member Shirley Milnor.
Holland Elementary Student Council members will facilitate the collection at the school.
The Greater Newtown Exchange Club is a member of the National Exchange Club, whose core mission is the prevention of child abuse. For more information on the Wee Care Bear Project, call 215-469-1466.
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