Successful Teddy Bear Sunday 2017

First Baptist Church in Lexington had their 16th Teddy Bear Sunday on Feb. 5th. Teddy Bear Sunday was the brain child of Steve Powell and fellow deacons in 2002, after hearing about the Middlesex Human Services program’s family shelters. While homelessness is difficult for the whole family, the children involved often need some extra TLC. Handing them a soft stuffed animal to hug is so helpful.

The first year 156 animals were collected, 152 were bears, with a few other animals. This year, despite the cold and snow on the day, we brought in 221 animals making a total of a wide assortment of 2692 critters over the years.

Oh yes, besides bears there have also been the following:

Aardvarks, anteaters, badgers, bats, beaver, birds, butterflies, caterpillars, cats, chickens, clowns, cows, crabs, deer, dinosaurs, dogs, dolls, dolphins, donkeys, Dr. Seuss characters, ducks, eagles, elephants, fairies, fish, fox, frogs, giraffes, gophers, gorillas, goats, hedgehogs, hippos, horses, kangaroos, lady bugs, lambs, leopard, lions, lizards, monkeys, monsters, moose, mice, ocelot, octopus, otter, owls, pigs, platypus, rabbits, raccoons, penguins, reindeer, seahorses, skunk, squirrels, a Tasmanian Devil, tigers, turtles, unicorns, walrus, whales, wolves and zebras.

We’ve had quite an ark of critters over the years. They are all adorable and are sure to become beloved favorites of a child served by Middlesex Human Services. We thank everyone for their generous donations. We know your kindness will help brighten a child’s days.

The service included reading “In the Company of Bears” at the children’s time by Dick Rogers, former Director of Bristol Lodge Middlesex Human Services. Then the children were set loose to collect all the animals from the congregation. What a feel good day!