Hundreds of bears to be distributed to foster kids

DAYTON — The National Council of Negro Women, Dayton Section, donated hundreds of bears that will be distributed to children entering the Montgomery County foster care system.

About 30 local member of NCNW solicited the bears from friends, coworkers, church members, sororities and other organizations.  They delivered over 300 bears to Montgomery County Children Services Friday morning.

“It’s just a reward to see them bring cheer to their little faces,” said Priscilla Jones, NCNW Past President.  “There are just so many children in distress, and we think it is so comforting to have that little teddy bear and to know they’re not alone.”

The group also was planning to deliver bears to Dayton Children’s Hospital, the Artemis Center, Stillwater Center and other locations.

In all, around 800 bears will be delivered.

“A teddy bear may seem like a small thing, but it can be a tremendous comfort for children when they enter foster care,” said Montgomery County Commission President Judy Dodge. “They are leaving what is familiar to them often with little more than the clothes on their backs.  The bears are a way of showing that somebody cares at a very scary time.”