At right, DSHS Senior Emily Bergeron (top center) hands over 1200 beanie babies to local first responders. PHOTO BY JIMMY WINKLER
DSHS student collects beanie babies to help kids
When Emily Bergeron, a Senior at Dripping Springs High School took on a fall service project, she wasn’t sure what to expect given the COVID-19 pandemic. Her goal was to collect as many beanie babies as she could for the “Comfort for Kids” program. The mission of the program is to equip local first responders with beanie babies. They can then give the stuffed animals to children who may be frightened during an emergency situation.
Bergeron’s timeframe for collecting the beanie babies was August to November of this year. “I didn’t really know how it was going to go. A big place where we get donations from, normally would be from the schools.” However, due to the pandemic, students spent the first few weeks of school learning remotely. “So, I wasn’t able to set up donation boxes until September,” Bergeron said. “I was really worried it was going to put a big dent in the project, but once the schools opened, all the principals and the counselors were really easy to work with. They helped me get the donation boxes set up really quickly.”
The donations came pouring in. Bergeron was able to hand over more than 1200 beanie babies to local first responders including personnel with North Hays County Fire Rescue, San Marcos Hays County EMS, Hays County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and more. A portion of the donations will also go towards the HCSO Brown Santa program, which helps provide toys to families in need during the holidays.
“2020 has proven to be a difficult year for everyone, which in turn has impacted the donations for the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Brown Santa Program,” Sheriff Gary Cutler said. “I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude for the generous donation of stuffed animals from the Beanie Baby Drive. It really helped make a difference this year for those less fortunate.”
Bergeron credits the community for making this year’s “Comfort for Kids” program a success. “They were all very giving and generous,” she said. “I’m thankful.” This was the 14th year for the program.