To the Editor:

We want to extend a big heartfelt thank you to all the parents and children that attended the Create a Bear event on Saturday, April 13th making it a success.

When the event first started we encountered technical difficulties with the machine that stuffs the bears and being short on volunteers things looked a little bleak, but quite of few of the parents who were there stepped right in and helped, a big thank you to them! The parents also emailed, phoned, and face booked friends of the event.

The children had to stuff the bears by hand but seemed to have more fun doing it this way, along with the parents so we decided to keep the machine off. Jeffrey Craddoc (The Bear Man) said his mom used to say “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” So true.

Thank you also to the United Methodist Church whose doors are always open to events that benefit the community.

Thank you to Helen Goewey and Caren Varjas members of the American Legion Auxiliary from other units that came to the rescue a little later in the day.

Last but not least thank you to Jeffrey Craddoc who had the vision, contacts and gave us this awesome way to serve the children and their parents.

We are proud to be part of such a loving and giving community.

Boyd and Alice Saxton

George A. Powell Sr./Jr.

American Legion & American Legion Auxiliary

95 Lakeview Terrace Sandy Hook April 18, 2013