ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, February 22, 1997 TAG: 9702240028
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
Teddy bears came from Warm Hearth
BLACKSBURG - Residents at Warm Hearth Village and seniors in the Loosely Woven Friendship Quilting Group in Newport have been creating warm friends for small people to use in times of accident or emergency.
They have been sewing teddy bears that Montgomery County sheriff's deputies carry in their vehicles. The teddy bears are the perfect friend for children who are accident or emergency victims.
The idea came from Kemvia Adams, special events coordinator for Montgomery County's Department of Parks and Recreation. She knew police and rescue departments across the county have been using teddy bears to provide comfort for children in times of trauma.
So she suggested it to area seniors, and they got busy.
They have made 53 teddy bears so far, and have materials for more.
"I have a great grandson, and I would want him to be comforted if he was hurting," said Herta Lopez, a resident of Warm Hearth.
"The people I deal with are really in tune with children because most of them have children," Adams said. "They are willing to donate their time because it's a good project to be involved with."
The seniors say they are not sure how long it takes them to make each teddy bear. The get together in a group, sometimes 12 or 15 strong, and the minutes fly by, they said.
"We never time ourselves, we have such a good time talking and gossiping. When one's done, we just throw it in the pile and move on to the next one," said Louise Palmer, who also lives in Warm Hearth.
Major milestone
CHRISTIANSBURG - The New River Valley Weatherization program recently weatherized its 1,000th home.
The program replaces heating systems, if needed; inspects existing heating systems; relines and repairs chimneys and ducts; and provides insulation. Clients include low-income families, seniors, handicapped people and families with children.
Begun in 1989, the program has spent more than $1.5 million weatherizing area homes.
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