MOUNT GILEAD — Whetstone Aktion Club members presented “Don’t be scared bears” to Morrow County Sheriff’s Deputies, EMS and police at a special ceremony Thursday.
The bears will be given to children who are facing a traumatic event when emergency responders reach them. The Aktion Club members and advisors hope that these bears can give some comfort when children are faced with a fearful or anxious situation.
Mount Gilead Police and Fire departments also will receive bears, but were on call and unable to be at the ceremony.
Aktion Club President Chad Wogan said that each of these bears were handmade by the individuals and staff at Whetstone Industries. They volunteered their time over a few weeks to create the bears.
“Every one of these bears was made with love and respect,” said Wogan as he thanked the first responders for their service. “We appreciate each one of you and realize your bravery and dedication sometimes go unnoticed.”
Aktion Club Advisor Sandi Williamson said the club does several community projects throughout the year. They do a road clean-up on Douglas Street; send the military goodie boxes, volunteer at the Humane Society and dog shelter, assist with food pantry, meals on wheels and give thank you candy baskets to the Mount Gilead Police Department.
Mount Gilead Kiwanis Club President Diana Keplinger said the Aktion Club is a Kiwanis Club. It is the only service club for adults with disabilities with more than 12,000 members worldwide.
Wogan said Whetstone’s self –advocacy group, People First, has received honors for its projects at the state level in Medina. They are very enthusiastic about their service projects that benefit the community.
People First of Ohio assists people with disabilities and believes that all people with disabilities should be treated as equal and be able to speak up for what they want by serving as leaders and working together as a team with all members of the community.
