The Delta State University Healthy Campus Community Initiative, with leadership from the College of Education and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, is set to launch a new event for children in the Cleveland community.
Court Street to Cleveland is hosting its First annual Teddy Bear Walk on Saturday, December 3 from 1 – 3 p.m. for children of all ages. Children are encouraged to bring a teddy bear to donate to the Cleveland Police Department and Fire Department. Local police officers and firemen will give the teddy bears to children for comfort during emergency events. “While we will take all kinds of stuffed animals, the policemen and firemen prefer teddy bears that are new or very gently used,” said Healthy Campus Community Initiative Coordinator Leigh Pickard. “What they can’t use will be donated to hospitals and other similar organizations.”
Court Street to Cleveland is co-hosting this event with the Gamma Psi Chapter of Kappa Delta. “We are very excited about partnering with Kappa Delta to make the Teddy Bear Walk a successful event that focuses on fitness and the spirit of giving,” explained Margaret Swanson, committee chairperson for Court Street to Cleveland.
The walk will be held on the south section of the downtown walking trail. Participants will check in at the booth, walk the trail with his/her teddy bear, and end at the booth where the teddy bear will be collected by representatives from the police and fire departments. Upon completion of the walk, all participants will receive a special prize.
The walk kicks off promptly at 1 p.m. with this year’s Grand Marshal Wheezy Bear, the official mascot for the School-based Asthma Management Program at Delta State University’s Center for Community and Economic Development.
The Healthy Campus Community Initiative has proven their commitment to emphasize fitness by getting people active and walking. For more information on Court Street to Cleveland or other programs offered by the Healthy Campus Community Initiative, contact Leigh Pickard at 662-846-4572 or email lpickard@deltastate.edu.
