Posted: 1/11/05
Teddy bears find a good home
By David Heiller
Argus News Editor
A lot teddy bears have found good homes in Caledonia recently.
Nichole Hintz, a Houston County probation officer, organized a teddy bear drive for children which succeeded beyond her expectations.
She and some friends and relatives gathered more than 300 bears from her hometown area of Truman and Fairmont in Martin County, Minnesota. People brought them to drop boxes in churches and school there.
They did it to honor Hintzís late grandfather, the Reverend Robert Hintz, who had a strong belief that every child needs a teddy bear.
The bears were given to children in protective services in Houston and several other counties. Some bears have also gone to places like the Ronald McDonald House and Transplant House in Rochester.
Hintz started her job here in in May of 2004, which is how Houston County was able to benefit. Bears can be a valuable thing for a child who has had his or her life disrupted, such as being removed from home or placed in foster care, Hintz said. ìTheyíre little kids. They can hug it if theyíre sad or lonely. They might not have any in the first place. It could be their only stuffed animal,î she said.
Hintz was pleasantly surprised at the number of bears they received. ìI did not think we would get that many.î she said. ìIt was really neat to see it. I couldnít believe it.î She plans to do it again next year.
Karen Meier-Binde, human services supervisor in Houston County, said her department has for a long time provided a teddy bear or other comfort toy to children who get placed in foster care, or may be working with them due to an investigations.
ìOur supply of teddy bears was very low, so this wonderful donation came at an awesome time,î Meier-Binde said. ìWe are very grateful and appreciative to Nichole and her family for these gifts.î
Meier-Binde added that other people in the community have donated items for them to share with children and families, and that is much appreciated too. Human services gives children entering foster care clothing, hygiene supplies and other necessities.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com