Newman Regional Health was busy Saturday morning offering some helpful resources to local children and their favorite stuffed friends.

The 23rd annual Teddy Bear Clinic saw a steady stream of traffic passing through the hospital’s parking lot through the morning hours. On hand for the event were several community partners alongside Newman staff as well as first responder agencies including the Emporia Police Department and Emporia Fire Department.

Newman events coordinator Michelle Margeson says the Teddy Bear Clinic is more than just a fun themed activity, she believes it is very important to offer children helpful tips on how to take care of their stuffed friends because while they may be inanimate, they do provide a high level of comfort and care to children.

Along with Teddy Bear doctor’s kits, young children also received goody bags with items from toothbrushes to informational packets and much more thanks to multiple community partners who were on hand for the event. The list of community partners included Parents as Teachers who were giving out books, toothbrushes and literacy resources.

Denise Dorcey of Parents as Teachers says their presence Saturday was part of an effort to serve the “whole child.”

Saturday’s Teddy Bear Clinic was just the first of multiple events on Newman’s calendar over the next several days. Activities in the Newman parking lot will continue Sunday with the return of Baby Alumni Day where individuals born inside Newman Regional Health will be welcomed back for a day of activities and prizes.

Alumni day will run from 3 pm to 5 pm Sunday in the parking lot off 12th Ave. Thursday, Newman will host the annual Denim and Diamonds BBQ in the parking lot from 11 am to 1 pm.

Additional details can be found online at Newmanrh.org

Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News