Laker Teddy Bear Toss Benefits the Pediatric Unit and the Kids’ Hope Center at Bay Area Hospital, Feb. 26

Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Junior Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Associated Student Government (ASG) will hold its first “Teddy Bear Toss” benefiting the Pediatric Unit and the Kids’ HOPE Center at Bay Area Hospital. The event will be held at the men’s basketball game, 4 p.m., Wednesday, February 27, 2016. The Southwestern Lakers will play the Portland Community College Panthers at the Southwestern campus, Prosper Hall Gym, 1988 Newmark Avenue, Coos Bay, OR 97420, Spectators of the game are encouraged to bring new Teddy Bears or stuffed animals and toss them on to the court during the halftime presentation. The stuffed animals will be collected and donated to the Pediatric Unit and the Kids’ HOPE Center. Each individual who brings a new stuffed animal will receive 1 free ticket into the game. The teddy bear toss assists the hospital in providing a toy to pediatric patients while admitted at Bay Area Hospital. This can help ease the anxiety and fear of being hospitalized. Bay Area Hospital had nearly 3000 children seen in our Emergency Department last year with approximately 200 admitted to the Pediatric Unit. “It’s these extra touches that make a child’s day in the hospital a little more comfortable and enjoyable. You can’t imagine the difference a gift can make to a hospitalized child.” – Amanda Bemetz, RN Pediatrics.