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July 25, 2008
Teddy Bear Smiles Across America
It all started with a question from a 4-H director: How could Jodilyn Marrs, a 10-year-old 4-H'er from Plantersville, Texas, better her community? Jodilyn's answer was to bring a smile to the elderly members of her community who are often forgotten in retirement homes. What better way to do this than with a teddy bear? Jodilyn collected more than 250 bears, as well as other stuffed animals, and distributed them to 188 retirement home residents on Valentine's Day. This simple idea was a huge success and fun, too. "Some smiled from ear to ear. Some even cried. I felt proud that it was my idea!" Jodilyn said.
Jodilyn's story is a first-hand example that a little gesture can make a big difference. She debunks the popular myth that the small can't achieve big things and instead demonstrates the true power of youth.
Jodilyn hopes that others will follow this example and make a difference in their own community. She believes "a little community unity can make for a better place to live" and challenges every 4-H group in America, the same way her 4-H director challenged her, to make the best, better, by implementing her teddy bear smile campaign across America. If she could bring about 188 smiles, one can only imagine how many more could be made possible if everyone joined in, collecting bears from January 12 to February 12 and then delivering them to those who could use a smile, on Valentine's Day. If you would like more information, contact Jodilyn at sjmarrs1@peoplepc.com.
What's next for Jodilyn? While she will continue to bring about teddy bear smiles, her next project is to beautify her community's local retirement homes and has already raised $1835.52 towards that goal. From there, who knows what this impressive 4-H'er will achieve.
Posted in category 4-H Stories at 10:36 AM