Local drop-off sites listed

Transcript Staff

The Kelsey Briggs chapter of Hugs Across America is extending its inaugural teddy bear drive through the month of June, organizers announced Friday.

"More bears are still needed," said chapter co-leader Jamie Gallimore. "We still need the help of the public."

About 500 teddy bears have been collected in the drive, originally scheduled to end in May. The teddy bears are given to children living in Oklahoma's foster care system and in other crises.

Chapter co-leader Loretha Sweetin said she recently presented teddy bears to a brother and sister in foster care.

"The first thing these children did was give their new bears a big hug, telling them 'I love you.' To me, that is priceless. Bringing comfort to the child is what this is all about, so they can have a friend to hug and trust in their time of crisis," Sweetin said.

In May, teddy bears were provided to victims of the Greensburg, Kan., tornado and shortly thereafter the group provided teddy bears to victims of the Sweetwater tornado. Both events occurred within the first week the group was in operation.

"Unfortunately, we can't predict when these things happen," Gallimore said. "Having plenty of bears on hand will help us meet those needs."

The group would like to have at least 1,000 "teddies at the ready," she said.

National Director Sue Lucarelli collected 58,000 teddy bears for children following 9/11.

"Oklahomans have a big heart. If one city can collect that many, I am positive the state of Oklahoma can too," Lucarelli said.

For more information, call Gallimore at 366-6233 or Sweetin at (918) 470-7970. Both women may be reached via e-mail at kelseyshugs@yahoo.com.

In the local area, teddy bears can be dropped off at Summit Self Storage, 2100 24th Ave. SE, Norman, 360-7622; McAlister's Deli, 1440 W. Lindsey St., Norman, 579-3354; McAlister's Deli, 931 S.W. 25th St., Moore, 790-1140; and OUr Children's World; 2727 Asp Ave., Norman, 325-0528.