BEAVERCREEK — Community members gathered at the Build-A-Bear Workshop at The Mall at Fairfield Commons on Saturday to make bears for children that will be in the hospital for the holidays.
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The event, which is in its’ 10th year, give to children who are admitted to Dayton Children's Hospital through the emergency room over the holidays.
Callista Hess, a member of the family that organizes the event, said the act of giving started when her younger brother was in the hospital for four days over the holiday and a local middle school group donated stuff animals that the kids enjoyed. This prompted The Hess Family to start their own event to give back to the community.
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Starting by only making 12 bears with family and friends, the event has grown over the years to a community act of philanthropy with the making of 283 bears last year.
“The goal is 300 bears this year”, said Hess.
The family also plans to stuff and gift bears to local nursing homes in the Spring.
