OGDENSBURG -- Children from Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Warner Cancer Treatment Center, St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services and Child Adoption Agency, and the Aids Community Resource Center will have a Christmas that is just a bit more warm and fuzzy thanks to employees from the United Helpers organization.

They put together a drive to collect teddy bears and other stuffed animals to make the holiday season a little brighter for area children.

“We wanted to do something for children,” said Staff Development Specialist Robin L. Leonard, coordinator of the United Helpers Teddy Bear Drop.

“Teddy Bears are soft and comforting so I thought it would make sense to collect them for children who were sick and children who needed something for Christmas.”

More than a hundred bears were distributed this year and there are plans to start the effort again next year, just after Thanksgiving.

“Everyone was very happy to see us and are looking forward to seeing us again next year,” Leonard added. “We can’t wait!”