Something as simple as a stuffed animal can sometimes be the best medicine. Third graders at the Peabody School in Albemarle County have collected toys and stuffed animals that will be given to Martha Jefferson Hospital to comfort sick kids.
"Without that you would just be scared and worried," third grader, Thurston Whitlow, said.
The idea for Soft Snugglies From Kids Who Care came when Whitlow was rushed to the emergency room because he was having difficulty breathing. He and his mom, Charity Donnelly, noticed a little girl there who could have used a stuffed animal for comfort.
"So Thurston and I talked about it after. We decided that this was something we wanted to do," Donnelly said.
There are 150 pillows, stuffed animals and toys all donated from stores in the community. For the medical staff at Martha Jefferson Hospital these can sometimes be the best remedy.
"I'd much rather give a teddy bear than a shot," Emergency Department Registered Nurse, Carrie De Poix, said.
Ruth Lunsford is a third grader and said she enjoyed working on this project.
"I like how it like feels that we're actually working in this together and that we're making some kids feel good," Lunsford said.
With every gift the kids attach a little note.
"The class made little cards and they mostly say get better soon," third grader, Yanni Raymond said.
Nurses from Martha Jefferson will visit the Peabody School at 9:30 a.m. to pick up the stuffed animals and toys.
The children welcome donations of new stuffed animals from the community.
