Whirlygigs Donates more than 500 Teddy Bears to kids in Hospital

EXETER – Whirlygigs, a locally-owned toy store in Exeter, donated more than 500 teddy bears to Exeter Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) to be given to children who come in as patients.

This was the eighth year that Whirlygigs held a “Bears that Care” event during December. For every teddy bear purchased by a customer, Whirlygigs donated two teddy bears to the ED.

“This was one of our most successful years of Bears that Care,” said Geoffrey Pendexter, owner of Whirylgigs. “The community really likes knowing their purchase will lead to a teddy bear donation to the hospital.”

“We are excited and so grateful to receive another donation of teddy bears,” said Lindsey Boscketti, nurse clinical practice leader in Exeter Hospital’s Emergency Department. “The staff love giving the bears to our pediatric patients. It really puts a smile on the kids’ faces.”

Exeter Hospital’s Emergency Department sees approximately 4,000 children each year. For more information, visit exeterhospital.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Whirlygigs, a locally owned toy store since 1986, was voted the “Best Local Toy Store” by New Hampshire Magazine readers in 2016, 2017 and 2018, and has been named the Best Toy Store in New England by Yankee Magazine. Whirlygigs is located at 107 Water Street in Exeter. Find them online at whirygigstoyshop.com and Instagram.

About Exeter Hospital

Exeter Hospital is a community-based hospital that serves residents from 38 towns in New Hampshire’s Seacoast Region. The hospital and its affiliates employ 2,300 area residents and provide millions of dollars annually for community benefits. Exeter Hospital has held Magnet® designation for nursing excellence since 2013, which has only been accomplished by approximately seven percent of the hospitals in the nation. For more information, visit exeterhospital.com or call (603) 580-6668.