By By Arthur McLean Managing Editor
Atmore Community Hospital received a special delivery Tuesday in the form of more than 300 stuffed animals.
The stuffed animals were a donation from the students of Escambia Academy for the hospital to give to its children patients.
"This is kids giving back to kids," said Bob Gowing, hospital administrator. "These stuffed animals are a little something we can do for the kids we see here to make them just a little more comfortable."
Called "stuffed with love," the project was headed by the school's student government association and senior Heather James.
The idea behind the donation came from June Corman, the school's SGA co-sponsor. "I heard an announcement of this kind of drive while I was at an Auburn football game, and I thought it would be a great idea to do here," she said.
The donation averaged more than one stuffed animal per student, with Escambia Academy having only 275 students.
James said they began planning the drive in November, and held the donation drive throughout the month of January, placing new trash cans in front of homerooms ready to take the donations.
"It went really well," she said. "We sent letters home to parents, and all the students really go into it."
"I appreciate the Academy and their interest in, and commitment to our community and helping to instill in those kids the value of giving back," Gowing said.