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Teddy Bear Toss Brightens Days

Posted on: January 24, 2020
Tags: River high school, Monroe central high school
Teddy Bear Toss

River and Monroe Central High Schools have a tradition that brings many smiles and much comfort to sick children and adults with disabilities: the Teddy Bear Toss, held at the annual Monroe Central-River varsity basketball game in conjunction with AirEvac 78.

This year’s game is coming up – Tuesday, February 4, 6 pm, at Monroe Central – so read up, mark your calendar, and don’t forget to pick up a teddy bear or two.

For the Teddy Bear Toss, attendees bring a new stuffed animal that will be provided to those in need as “comfort items” for them to hold. The Toss takes place at half-time – a special song is played, and everyone TOSSES into the center of the floor! The stuffed animals cover the gymnasium before Student Council students bag them up to be given to AirEvac 78.

This is one of the favorite events of the year for Lydia Brodegard, Behavior Specialist: “It’s so important for a sick child, or anyone who has to be airlifted to the hospital, to have something they can focus on,” she explains. “These comfort animals can help reduce the fear of what is happening. It’s a great mental-health support tool, and I love that our community gets involved to provide these stuffed animals to others.”

All who bring a stuffed animal will receive a raffle ticket for a gift card. This year’s gift cards are being donated by Mike Walker from AirEvac, who along with Tanis Langsdorf, paraprofessional at Monroe Central, have been working hard to make this year’s event a success. “Local individuals and businesses are so generous,” Lydia says, “and the cards and basket items are really nice. It’s a great way for businesses to say thank you to those who are helping.”

2020 Teddy Bear Toss Details:

At Monroe Central-River Varsity Basketball Game

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Monroe Central gymnasium

469 Lewisville Road

Woodsfield, OH 43793