photo by: Gage Vota

From left, Cumberland Trail Fire District Fire Chief Tim Hall, firefighters Doug Smith, Braden Wheeler and Christopher Cocca, St. Clairsville Recreation Director Eric Gay, Cumberland Trail Fire District assistant chief Daniel Grady and Trinity Health System director of operations Jamie Betts celebrate the plethora of donations received for the inaugural teddy bear drive as Trinity Health System registered nurse Daniel Grady, left, and St. Clairsville Mayor Kathryn Thalman sit in front of them.

More than 100 stuffed animals were donated to the inaugural Cumberland Trail Fire District and Trinity Health System Teddy Bear Drive.

On Tuesday, Cumberland Trail Fire District firefighters, St. Clairsville Mayor Kathryn Thalman and Recreation Department Director Eric Gay dropped off the various stuffed animals to Trinity Health System.

Trinity Health System Director of Operations Jamie Betts said that the teddy bears will be given to children who have a medical emergency or medical need at St. Clairsville Neighborhood Hospital as well as the hospital’s Steubenville and Denison locations.

“We really appreciate the community’s efforts in this and really appreciate the individual that reached out to the fire department who came up with the idea that wants to remain unnamed, [we] just want to thank them,” Betts said. “Children throughout the holiday season will now be able to receive some comfort when they’re receiving emergency care.”

He added that he believes the drive was a good gesture during the holiday season for children that are in need of health care throughout the holidays to help them have a calmer experience.

Betts and Fire Chief Tim Hall agreed that the drive was a smashing success and plan to continue to make it an annual tradition.

Hall added that the drive was able to bring vital emotional support to children facing medical emergencies or hospital stays this holiday season.

“We’re very blessed with the community support that we have, and that is shown through with their donations and thinking of others during this time of year,” Hall said. “We appreciate the support from the community and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.”

He added that he believes the drive was able to brighten other’s spirits during the holiday season who may be going through difficult times while receiving medical care.

“​​It’s an opportunity for us to give back. We’re very fortunate that we have continual support of our residents in St. Clairsville and Richland Township,” Hall previously said.

Thalman said that she is delighted to see the support that has been received through the inaugural drive.

“Thank you to the wonderful people of our community. They always come through when we ask, and these bears will be wonderful for kids in the hospital,” Thalman said. “It’ll give them something to hug.”

Gay added that he wanted to express a thank you to the community who stepped up and donated to the drive.

“Over a three day period, the Rec. Department collected around 100 teddy bears,” Gay said. “The gratitude that has been shown from the community every time that we need anything is amazing.”

He added that the community has continuously been there for, not only the Recreation Department, but the city any time it has been in need.