Winchester Hosts Successful Teddy Bear Breakfast to Support Local Youth and Hurricane Relief Efforts

Winchester hosted a Teddy Bear Breakfast on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Winchester Elks Lodge #2816, located at 255 Shoppers Drive. This community event aimed to support local youth by providing Clark County first responders with teddy bears to distribute to children in stressful situations.

“If a teddy bear can calm a kid down in a bad situation…we’re all about collecting the bears for those kids,” said Larry Hall, exalted ruler of the Winchester Elks Lodge. He described the initiative as an essential part of the Elks’ community support efforts.

The timing of the breakfast was particularly poignant, coinciding with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which recently affected numerous families across North Carolina and other states. Much of the $12 entry fee collected at the event will contribute to disaster relief efforts in affected areas. “Our Elks’ motto is ‘Elks Care. Elks Share’. So, that’s what we’re doing,” Hall added, emphasizing their commitment to community support.

The event attracted a diverse crowd, including local dignitaries such as former Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner and the Clark County Coroner Neal Oliver. Attendees enjoyed a hearty breakfast that included pancakes, sausage, biscuits and gravy, eggs, and bacon, accompanied by beverages like orange juice and soft drinks.

A significant number of teddy bears were donated during the breakfast, ranging from care bears and Winnie the Pooh bears to unique designs such as a unicorn bear and one adorned with a map of Kentucky. Hall assured attendees that all bears would remain in Clark County, distributed among the fire department, EMTs, sheriff’s department, and police services for local use. “As soon as we get all those together, I’ll get them separated out,” he noted.

Hall expressed optimism about making a trip to North Carolina soon to further assist those affected by the hurricane. He highlighted the Teddy Bear Breakfast as a vital opportunity for community members to connect and support each other. “We’re all about…giving back to the community,” Hall affirmed, reinforcing the Elks Lodge’s commitment to service throughout the year.