Foothills Cruisers Car Club donates teddy bears to ECH Yuma

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - A Yuma car club continues its journey of putting smiles on the faces of local children and special patients.

The Foothills Cruiser Car Club dropped off more than 400 teddy bears and stuffed animals to Exceptional Community Hospital (ECH) Yuma.

The toys not only give comfort to kids but also to some elderly patients as well.

"These are real important events because we're getting teddy bears over to the children and also, they help out some of the folks with Alzheimer's. They give teddy bears as well, which was kind of a surprise. I learned that last year," said Richard Craig, Public Affairs for Foothills Cruisers.

"When you come to the hospital, one, you're not feeling good, but if you have something to take a little comfort into, I think it really makes a difference, especially the nurses can use them as a tool to let the kids know, 'This is what I'm gonna do to you. Let's do it to your stuffy first.' I think it just builds a little trust between us and the patients," said Amanda Oliver, Front Desk Registration Manager for ECH Yuma.

The Foothills Cruisers also dropped off more than 400 stuffed animals to the San Luis Police Department.

Earlier this month, the club donated 1,000 teddy bears and stuffed animals to Onvida Health.