Judge Delivers “Beary” Special Gifts

Students at the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ (MCBDD) Windfall School have some new furry friends and collections of books, thanks to Medina County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Kevin Dunn and his staff. On Friday, December 19, Judge Dunn, several Juvenile Court employees, and even Santa Claus, handed out Build-A-Bear teddy bears and a wide variety of books to students at Windfall School.

These “beary” thoughtful gifts were provided through a Juvenile Court project that helps local youth fulfill their court-ordered community service time while showing them how they can have a positive impact on their community. The original program started in 2007 to provide bears to children who attended Windfall School. The supplies for the bears are funded through donations by Medina County Probate and Juvenile Court staff who contribute for Dress Down Friday’s each month. The bears were purchased at Build-A-Bear and when they arrived they were already filled with fluff and ready for volunteers and participants to dress each bear in its own unique outfit – pajamas, princess outfits, holiday-themed outfits, super hero costumes – and complete them with shoes and accessories. Finally, the bears were packed with handmade cards, and prepared to be delivered into the arms of a special child. During the delivery Probate Court staff visited with each child as they received their bear and helped them remove them from their carrying bags and boxes. New this year to the annual tradition was the addition of gifting of books to students in all grades at Windfall School. Books were selected to match the interests of each student and delivered with the help of Santa Claus and Judge Dunn.

“To see our students’ faces light up during this special event is so wonderful. We thank Judge Dunn and his staff and volunteers for making this generous event possible each year,” said Stacey Maleckar, MCBDD Superintendent. “This really is one of the best days of the year for our students as they kick-off their holiday season!”