SOUTH BEND — 400 teddy bears have been purchased as a result of South Bend International Airport’s (SBN) ninth annual Bears in the Air program. The bears are being delivered to Plymouth Medical Center, Beacon Children’s Hospital, Saint Joseph Health System, Elkhart General Hospital, and Spectrum Health Lakeland this week.

The bears will offer companionship and smiles during a child’s difficult time. Each hospital will distribute the bears to young patients as they see fit.

“It was as crucial as ever for the Bears in the Air program to continue despite the challenges of 2020,” said SBN’s CEO and Executive Director Mike Daigle. “We are touched and grateful for the generous support our community has continued to lend to this important program. These bears bring big smiles and a sense of comfort to children during a scary time.”

The Bears in the Air program has provided over 12,500 bears to children in area hospitals in the last nine years. Additionally, a cash donation to the Robert L. Miller, Sr. Veteran’s Center will take place in January.