Jim Robinson Ford Donates Teddy Bears to WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital

Shelley Hanson

Children receiving care at WVU Medicine Children's Hospital in Morgantown will be receiving early Christmas presents thanks to a donation of dozens of cuddly bears from Jim Robinson Ford and the Neighborhood Ford Store.

Mike DeArdo, sales and leasing manager at Jim Robinson Ford, drove the bears to the hospital on Thursday afternoon. He received a police escort to the state line from a few local law enforcement members including West Virginia State Police Sgt. Darren Matthews, Wheeling Police Department Lt. Russell Campbell and Cpl. Gerald Mitchell, and Ohio County Sheriff's Department Maj. Rod Vaughn and Cpl. Andy Weisal.

Jim Robinson also was on hand for the sendoff.

Matthews said the State Police and other agencies wanted to help DeArdo and the bears get started on the journey safely.

"Especially for children who are in need, anything that makes them feel better is definitely worth the effort," he said of the officers' role in getting the toys safely to the hospital.

DeArdo said the bears were purchased by Ford from Build-A-Bear Workshop.

"It's very important," he said of the donations and delivery. "For a kid, maybe the bear will help them a little bit. They're comfort bears."

DeArdo said this will be the Neighborhood Ford Store's first teddy bear donation as the children's hospital is a new service for West Virginia.

WVU Medicine Children's Hospital's toy drive kicks off Sunday in Morgantown. The special teddy bear delivery truck will be featured at the drive.