Blennerhassett STARS donates stuffed animals to CCMC

PARKERSBURG -- Blennerhassett Middle School's STARS club donated more than 300 stuffed animals Friday to Camden Clark Medical Center.

The donation was part of a year-long toy drive and community service project, said guidance counselor Michele Fling.

"STARS stands for 'Super Teens Achieving Regional Success,'" Fling said. "It is a chance for students to gain leadership skills, and part of that is leading the school in a community service project."

Fling said the STARS students teamed with Camden Clark to gather stuffed animals for young patients and young family members who are going through the stress of a family illness.

The club has seven core members and managed to gather donations of 326 stuffed animals and had the toys cleaned. On Friday the students loaded the donations into the back of a CCMC ambulance.

"We put out posters that said 'Cuddles for Kids,'" said seventh-grader Ainsley Dixon.

The best part of the campaign was "seeing the outcome. Seeing what our school was able to produce," said eighth-grader Brad McPeek. "It's going to help keep kids emotionally healthy and help them through their illness and tough times."

"I'm very impressed with the hard work and tremendous success of the group of students who coordinated his effort," said Director of Cancer Services Reinnie Leavitt. "These are our future community leaders and they should be proud of themselves for what they're accomplished. We're certainly happy to be a part of it."

Leavitt said because of the number of stuffed animals donated, some will be distributed throughout the CCMC facilities and ambulances, while others will be shared with other community groups that help children who are in need or distress.