CBz Buddies once again is offering the opportunity to put a smile on the face of a child during the upcoming holiday season, according to a news release.
The Sponsor-a-Bear for Christmas fundraiser will start Oct. 1 and run through November.
The cost to sponsor a bear is $10 and the donor’s name will be written on the gift tag, according to the release
The bears will be distributed to Good Knights of Lorain County, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Lorain County Sheriff’s Office and Dr. Curtis Russell, DDS, for delivery prior to Christmas, according to the release.
”Since partnering with CBz Buddies in 2020, they have become a part of the Good Knights family, no bed goes out without a Buddy in it,” said Roger Dorsey, founder and executive director of Good Knights of Lorain County, in the release. “When the children see the beds and their new Buddy waiting for them, we see the joy, happiness, and at least for a moment the only worry they have is getting to a good night’s sleep with their new stuffed animal (Buddy).
“CBz has provided over 3,000 Buddies to our children and continues to support our work. We see CBz Buddies as a part of Good Knights providing every child with a good night.“
Erie County Sheriff Paul Sigsworth said involvement in an emergency can be traumatic for anyone, especially a child.
“Our ability to give the gift of a stuffed animal — such as those provided to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office by CBz Buddies — can assist in minimizing the exposure to trauma for that child,” Sigsworth said in the release. “Thank you to CBz Buddies for the continued support by assisting us to serve children during these very difficult and traumatic situations.”
Lorain County Sheriff Phil Stammitti said his deputies respond to emergencies, accidents, domestics and other critical incidents where families are fighting, injured or separated.
“It is difficult for the adults involved and something that no child should have to witness or live through,” Stammitti said in the release. “Having a bear from CBz
Buddies to give to a child at this time often gives them something to focus, hug and hold which can make a world of difference.”
Since 2018, CBz Buddies has been providing emotional support to children involved in traumatic situations, according to its website.
Bears are available through both sheriff offices year round, the release said.
For more information, email CBzBuddies@outlook.com. To make a donation, mail checks to CBz Buddies, PO Box 296, Vermillion, Ohio, 44089.
