“Nothing comforts a child like a teddy bear,” says Margaret Thirtle, a resident of St. John’s Meadows senior living community. With Margaret’s influence, volunteers of the Brighton community dressed up teddy bears in specially-themed costumes, knowing each bear would be a special gift for a child. Each bear is given a name, packaged in a gift bag, and matched up with a child based on their gender or interests. On December 11 at 10 a.m., these unique, lovingly-outfitted bears will be given to the kindergarten children of Martin B. Anderson School #1, 85 Hillside Avenue.

The teddy bears will act as a reading partner for these beginning readers and will listen attentively to his/her new school buddy. Every student will have time to read aloud each day to his/her new little teddy bear friend.  The hope is that the teddy bears will travel home to continue the reading journey throughout the summer as well. Surely,  Teddy will “pay it forward” as our young readers share their new reading skills with younger siblings and family members.

What a great gift to give a child as they begin to explore the wonderful world of reading and all that awaits with the turn of a page and their imagination at work. …and, this is just another opportunity for residents of St. John’s Meadows and members of Gates Presbyterian Church to share their caring gifts.

St. John’s Meadows senior living community in Brighton is sponsored by St. John’s Home. The Meadows is home to nearly 400 residents in a total of 339 homes. St. John’s Meadows offers private, two-bedroom cottages, as well as apartments with fine dining and services.