The La Conner Braves’ Club is having a Teddy Bear drive. We are collecting new and gently loved bears to distribute to local children during this unprecedented time. Research indicates how stressful the pandemic is on children. Teddy bears are often given as stress relief for youth. The hope is to gather a huge hug of bears, 250-300.

Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can place the bears in plastic bags and leave them at the door of the Braves’ Club. With daily checks of the Club, the bears will not be out in the cold for very long. Each bear will be promised a home in the very near future: once we have reached our goal and each bear has been quarantined for safe delivery.

The club is located behind the La Conner School District’s administrative building, 305 North 6th Street. Anyone with questions can leave a message at the Braves’ Club: 360-399-1921.

• On a side note, what sparked the idea was a box of bears in my garage. They were gifts at Tim’s (Brenton) memorial on 29th & Yestler where he was killed in his patrol car while on duty Halloween night in 2009. I carefully stored the little stuffed critters knowing they would be very useful one day. That day is here and Tim’s hug of bears will soon bring joy to other hearts.

Source: Marlene Brenton, La Conner Braves’ Club