Local groups help raise stuffed bears for youngsters at Kosair Hospital

  When Ethos at Woodlake senior living executive director Kathy Franke asked an employee battling cancer if there was anything they could do for her the only thing she asked was that they do something to help children. 

Local organizers are covered by bears collected for youngsters at Kosair Children’s Hospital

Ethos at Woodlake honored her request and with that they began the Hugs of Luv program to collect plush animals for Kosair Children’s Hospital foundation.

Enlisting help from several local organizations, including area churches, the Mount Washington Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus and the Salt River Masonic Lodge, Hugs of Luv sets out to comfort as many children as possible through the healing power of play.

During the month-long program, seniors at Ethos will be collecting new plush animals for the Kosair Children’s Hospital foundation to be distributed to their young patients.

The toys will also be given to police units to be distributed to auto accident scenes involving children.

“The purpose is to support children,” said Cathy Medley, who co-chairs the program with Jackie Wathen.

For more than 110 years Kosair Children’s Hospital and its predecessor hospitals, have provided children in Kentucky and Southern Indiana health care, available without regard to their families’ ability to pay.

As the only free-standing, full-service pediatric care facility dedicated exclusively to caring for children in Kentucky, Kosair Children’s Hospital is a steadfast advocate for the health and well-being of all children.

The Hugs of Luv program will run through April 1.  

Anyone wishing to donate new plush animals may do so at Ethos at Woodlake, 520 Woodlake Drive or at Amanda’s Creations Florist, 168 N. Bardstown Road.

For additional information regarding donations or drop off locations, contact Medley at (502) 424-3437.