Foxcroft Academy Key Club presents ‘Key Clubby Bears’

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute (KPTI) began in the late 1970s with a desire of New England Kiwanians to serve children with a comprehensive, long-term commitment. Many ideas for helping children were discussed, but pediatric trauma — a new and underserved area of medicine — was ultimately chosen.

Dr. Harold “Hap” Gerrish, a dentist from Dover-Foxcroft and a long time Kiwanian, presented the idea of a center for medical treatment, research and safety outreach programs to Tufts Medical Center and Floating Hospital for Children and in 1981 the institute was founded A helicopter first-response program was part of the initial plan and today KPTI and the Tufts Medical Center are members of the consortium of hospitals that support Boston MedFlight.

For years, Key Clubs across the country have made it a part of their mission to help children, much like the Kiwanis. Key Clubby Bears are teddy bears provided by the New England and Bermuda District of Key Clubs. These cute and cuddly bears are delivered by Key Clubs to fire stations, police stations, hospitals and other humanitarian programs. These organizations, in turn, will give the Key Clubby Bears to scared, injured or ill children, which provide these kids with a feeling of safety and reassurance.

This year the Foxcroft Academy Key Club was very happy to present Pine Tree Hospice and the Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance with a set of Key Clubby Bears for their work with young children. This is another example of the Key Club giving back to the community they serve.

Photo courtesy of Foxcroft Academy
KEY CLUBBY BEARS — The Foxcroft Academy Key Club recently presented Key Clubby Bears to Pine Tree Hospice and the Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance to be given to scared, injured and ill children. From left are Mary McQueen of the Spruce Run-Womancare Alliance, Jake Ko, Pine Tree Hospice Executive Director Jane Stitham, Gabby Jolin and Charlotte Jolin.