Date: November 12, 2008
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director,
Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu
PNC Students Collect 225 Teddy Bears for Riley Hospital
Westville – The Purdue University North Central Fine Arts, Convocations, & Events Committee (FACE) has collected 225 teddy bears and stuffed animals for the children in Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.
FACE Committee members will deliver the stuffed animals to the hospital on Friday, Nov. 14. The students plan to spend the day reading and playing with the young patients.
When the committee announced it would be collecting teddy bears for the children in Riley Hospital no one knew what to expect.
“This was something we wanted to do to make things brighter for the children,” said Carl Stambaugh, of Chesterton, FACE Committee co-president. “We wanted to take on a project that would benefit others.”
Once the publicity went out, stuffed animals started coming in. A number of teddy bears were donated, but with them came stuffed dogs, stuffed penguins, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and just about every other stuffed animal imaginable. Monetary donations came in as well. Students, faculty, staff and community members willingly donated. The Michigan City Wal-Mart donated a gift card that was used to purchase stuffed animals in the store.
“We are happy to help make the holidays brighter for some youngsters who may not have a lot to brighten their days,” said Tom Albano, of Chesterton, FACE Committee co-president.
The committee members set up collection points throughout campus where animals could be dropped off.
“It was fun to get a call telling us to come pick up bears when the boxes were full,” Albano said.
According to Stambaugh, a Riley spokesperson told him that PNC is the first Purdue campus to take on a project like this for the hospital. “They were in shock that we collected so many bears,” he said.
“'It is important to do what we can to give back to the community,” said member Nick Mucha, of Valparaiso . “Something this simple will mean so much to the children.”
The committee members also purchased 36 pillowcases that they will take to Riley and the young patients can decorate and personalize them for their beds.
Last year FACE Committee members collected more than 90 pounds of items that were sent to U.S. troops serving overseas.
“It is really fulfilling to do something to help others,” said member Daisy Lee of Grayslake , Ill.
Donations will continue to be accepted said Stambaugh.
“If you get us a bear, we'll get it to them,” he promised.
To donate, contact Stambaugh at (219) 785-5330 or at cstambau@pnc.edu.
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