BY BERNIE MIXON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP -- Teddy bears are a staple in Debby Scott's first-grade classroom at Cottonwood Elementary School in Finneytown.
From stencils on the wall to bears around the room and on shelves, they reflect Mrs. Scott's love for the soft, cute, cuddly creatures popular with students in her class.
So it was only fitting that 18 of her students participated in a read-a-thon that raised $320 to buy teddy bears for the Springfield Township police department.
The children raised money by having family members pledge anything from a penny to a nickel for every minute the children read to them. "It involved parents in the children's education, and the children in community service," Mrs. Scott said. "It was a way to get parents and students together in the evening to share some quality time."
Students raised the money from March 23-27 by reading library books, signposts, a menu, billboards or directions on how to do their homework, Mrs. Scott said.
With the money and discounts from area businesses, Mrs. Scott said she expects to purchase 35 to 40 10-inch teddy bears for the police department.
Since 1989, the Springfield Township police department has handed out teddy bears to children in traumatic situations such as automobile accidents or difficulties involving a family member. "This way kids have something to hold onto that's their own," Lt. McDaniel said. "They have something to cling onto."
He applauded the Cottonwood first-graders for their efforts to help other children. "I feel it is wonderful," Lt. McDaniel said. "They are doing something positive for the community."
That's the lesson Mrs. Scott wants to get across to her students.
"There are people out there who are less fortunate than them and this is a way to help," Mrs. Scott said. "This is about community service."
