Lite 96.3 and Blarney Castle EZ Mart stores donated bears collected through the Teddy Bear Patrol Drive to local first responders and organizations that help children in traumatic situations. Representatives of Lite 96.3, Tim Nixon (left) and Diane Shannon Hansell (right), are pictured donating 80 of the bears to Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan’s executive director, Gail Kloss.

Over the past few months, thousands of bears have been donated to the Teddy Bear Patrol Drive sponsored by Lite 96.3 and Blarney Castle EZ Mart. The bears are being shared with first responders in Emmet, Charlevoix and Cheboygan counties to comfort children during traumatic or frightening situations.

Teddy bears were collected by many groups and organizations, including Girl Scout Troop #04569 of Petoskey. A large box decorated by troop members was positioned at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Petoskey with a plea for new or gently used bears to share with children in need of a bear hug. The 80 bears they collected have been donated to the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan’s Safe Home.

“We are grateful for this thoughtful donation,” said Jamie Winters, Safe Home Coordinator. “Domestic abuse survivors and their children may arrive at the Safe Home with very few personal belongings. It’s essential for us to provide a caring and supportive environment for these families who are experiencing very difficult situations.”

Last year the Safe Home provided shelter and temporary housing to a total of 165 women and children from Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties.

As one youngster said of his time at the shelter, “This is the best place to feel safe and keep your head up with everyone’s help.”

For details on WRCNM programs and services, call the main office at (231) 347-0067, their 24-hour crisis and information line at (231) 347-0082 or visit wrcnm.org.