'Beary' special gifts arrive at Windfall School

Students at the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Windfall School have some new furry friends and new books, thanks to Medina County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Kevin Dunn and his staff.

On Friday, Dec. 19, 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.

The “beary” thoughtful gifts were provided through a Juvenile Court project that allows local youth to fulfill court-ordered community service hours while showing them how they can have a positive impact on the community. The program began in 2007 to provide teddy bears to children attending Windfall School.

Supplies for the bears are funded through donations from Medina County Probate and Juvenile Court staff, who contribute through monthly Dress Down Fridays. The bears were purchased from Build-A-Bear and arrived pre-filled and ready for volunteers and participants to dress each bear in a unique outfit, including pajamas, princess attire, holiday-themed outfits and superhero costumes, along with shoes and accessories.

The bears were then packed with handmade cards and prepared for delivery. During the visit, Probate Court staff spent time with each child as they received their bear and helped remove them from carrying bags and boxes.

New this year, the annual tradition also included the gifting of books to students in all grades at Windfall School. Books were selected to match each student’s interests and delivered with the help of Santa Claus and 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.”