From the Hewlett-Woodmere Schools Spotlight newsletter:

Franklin first graders from Mrs. Doxsee, Ms. Patello, Mrs. Lacy and Mrs. Amer’s classes recently participated  in the Hugs Across America program. Hugs Across America, an organization that was created soon after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, provides bears to children in crisis around the world.

These first grade classes collected teddy bears during the month of November, created gift tags to put on each bear and then gave each bear a great big bear hug to fill it with love before donating it to Hugs Across America.

Hewlett – Woodmere Schools provide hugs with bears!

…and the kids LOVE it.