New Hope Baptist Church Youth Craft Teddy Bears for Fire Department

The following was provided by the Aurora Township Fire Department.

On Sunday, April 14, the youth and adult leaders of New Hope Baptist Church ventured a few blocks from their church on Melrose Avenue to the Aurora Township Fire Department on Montgomery Road to present handmade and crafted teddy bears for children affected by emergencies or tragedy.

The idea was sparked by church member Elaine Beaired, who in the past did a similar project with another organization. The basic concept was to create by hand homemade teddy bears for the fire department to disperse to children who might have lost everything in a fire or are afraid to ride in an ambulance. Many times when children are confronted with fear or tragedy a simple stuffed animal can make a horrible situation more comfortable and ease the anxiety.  

“I was shocked by the thoughtfulness and goodwill of these teenagers as well as for their genuine concern for the less fortunate. Many teens get a bad rap today, but I am inspired by the New Hope Baptist Church Youth Group and the positive acts that they have carried out for our community” said Fire Chief Robert Watermann.

After their presentation to the fire department, Aurora Township Firefighters thanked and entertained the youth group with a station tour as a token of their appreciation.