Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Along with ladder trucks, fire engines and ambulances, four teddy bears responded to a fire on Lyons Avenue Wednesday that injured a firefighter and a resident, who jumped from the second floor.

The four plush bears are some of the first responders from Operation Bear Hugs, the latest program for the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Red Cross to comfort children, raise money to provide them with post-fire necessities and give donors a direct connection to the children they help.

Each cuddly bear comes with a card written by the person who donated $250 toward the food, clothing, shelter and infant supplies a family needs to start over.

The bears arrive at a fire scene with Red Cross volunteers. Like paratroopers, the bears are dropped one by one into children's arms, where they get to work immediately, performing cheek-to-cheek smile resuscitation and dispensing snuggles.

"We want those we help at fires, especially children, to know they're not alone, that people -- their neighbors -- want to help," said Bruce Rutter, chief of the local Red Cross. "Of course the financial assistance we give is critical, but a soft teddy bear and the feeling that someone cares -- those are priceless to kids. "

 Tags  American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter Operation Bear Hugs Providence RI

Leave a comment

Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish.

Name:

Email:

URL:  

Remember personal info?

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.