For the past 12-14 years, the Aurora City Schools staff has organized an annual fundraiser donating Build-A-Bear stuffed animals to children at Akron Children’s Hospital. Every year the group raises anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 that go towards the purchase of stuffed bears.
Money is collected from both students and teachers to help these children. In 2020, staff continued this fundraiser and donated 75 stuffed bears to children in need with the help of Aurora students.
While this year was another great one for the fundraiser, overall the 40+ involved staff members have raised close to $9,000 and 1,400 bears over the years. Mrs. Barnes is one of the main organizers and teachers from AHS like Mr. Rubin, Dr. Munson, Mr. LoGalbo, and Mrs. Foster have all helped spread the word and get donations.
I had a chance to ask Mrs. Barnes why she continued to do this every year to which she responded she loves the fact that she gets to “make a sick child smile!”
Many students every year help with the fundraiser further than donating money. Students assemble boxes for the bears and are closely involved with its organization. Senior and participant, Keaton Theiding said, “being able to make someone’s day by doing a small favor was very rewarding for me.”
Aurora City Schools holds this fundraiser every year and really appreciates donations. Helping kids in need, especially during times like this, is always a great idea.
If you missed this year’s fundraiser don’t worry! There are plenty of other ways to help Akron’s Children’s Hospital. They allow you to donate money on their website (linked below), and have various different volunteering opportunities.
The Build-A-Bear fundraiser is a great way to put a smile on kids’ faces who desperately need it, and every year students and staff never fail to do that.
BY: Ethan Krupinski
The Gambit 
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