Bernie students donate stuffed animals to hospital

It has become an annual tradition of the Bernie High School Beta Club to brighten the holidays for area families. A donation of 32 stuffed bears to Saint Francis Medical Center's Family Birthplace and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was recently made by the club.

The club raises money by selling stuffed animals. This year, stuffed bears were chosen.

The stuffed animals are kept or donated back to the club. The 32 donated bears represent those donated back to the club.

Jack Malizzi, RN, director of Maternal and Child Services at Saint Francis, said the gesture goes a long way, especially for families who need the services of the Level III NICU. "It is never easy for parents to see their infants hospitalized," he said. "It is even more difficult during the holidays. This is a little something that can bring some joy to the lives of families going through some difficult times. The stuffed animals were a big hit last year, and I am sure they will be well-received again this year."

The National Beta Club promotes character, develops leadership skills, encourages service involvement, recognizes achievement and provides technological advantages to students in grades 5 through 12.

Saint Francis Medical Center's Family Birthplace offers expecting parents an individual, family-centered birthing experience in a comfortable, medically advanced environment. The Family Birthplace features the region's first Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit caring for premature and critically ill newborns; a highly experienced staff with more than 200 combined years of experience; and comfortable surroundings with homelike amenities, including the Family Room, a 500-square-foot hospitality suite that features the comforts of home used by families awaiting the arrival of their newest addition.