Teddy bear drive supports children in Michiana hospitals

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- For the fourteenth year, the South Bend International Airport is teaming up with local hospitals to provide comforting teddy bears to children staying in the hospital.
It's a tradition which started years ago in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and has been brought to our area, donating around 25 thousand bears over the last 14 years.

Five hospitals across Michiana will receive around 500 bears each, to be distributed to patients this week.

Nearly 3,000 bears will be given out at hospitals in South Bend, Mishawaka, Elkhart, Plymouth, as well as Saint Joseph Michigan, bringing smiles and comfort to kids experiencing what can undoubtedly be a stressful time. Natalie Baggio, president of Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in Saint Joseph, says this program brings an extra boost of holiday spirit and cheer to those who may need it most.

"Being in a hospital sometimes is a scary place, and being able to extend or give a bear, for example, to a patient or a family member can create that sense of warmth, and caring, and compassion and make an environment that's uncomfortable feel more comfortable," said Baggio.

If you'd like to donate, the website is givegrove.com/bearsintheair2025