The December holidays are upon us, but staff at the Callaway County Public Administrator's office are already thinking about Valentine's Day.
They are collecting teddy bears to distribute to seniors living in Callaway County nursing homes in early February.
"Last year, we had enough teddy bears to go into every room in the county, where they were needed," Public Administrator Karen Digh Allen said.
The program has been headed for the last few years by Bonnie Sherer, Allen's office assistant.
"We had more than 200 donated last year," she said. "We got them from Kiwanis, and we get them from the Clothes Cupboard."
Sometimes families donate them, too, Allen said, and it's hoped people will contribute gently used teddy bears and other stuffed animals, plus jigsaw puzzles and new hats for men and women, too. The donations may be dropped off at the public administrator's office at 10 W. Sixth St. across from Exchange Bank in downtown Fulton.
Sherer took over the collection effort when she started her job in 2013. The best part, she said, is watching the seniors' faces when they are handed a bear, and they hug them tight.
"It feels great," Sherer added. "We brighten people's days and Valentine's Day."
For more information, contact Sherer at 573-642-0720.