It has been just over a month since the “Teddy Bears of Love” program took place in Clanton, and plans are already being made for another possible donation drive.

“The people of the area were so generous that we collected over 350 stuffed animals,” said Vicky Jenrette, in charge of marketing with Bertolone Italian Café. “We wanted to say thank you for all the outpouring of generosity,” Jenrette said.

The first drive pertained mainly within the Clanton city limits, although the Jemison Police Department also received some Teddy bears.

However, the success and positive reception from the community has prompted the hope of expansion and involvement of Chilton County as a whole.

“We were going to wait and see, because I had no idea how big it would become,” Jenrette said.

The drive took place for three weeks in June, as boxes were placed out in front of various local businesses and served as drop-off locations. Bertolone Italian Café and the Clanton Lions Club were primary sponsors of the program.

The donated Teddy bears went to the Clanton Police Department, Chilton County Sheriff’s Department, Clanton Fire Department, Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center and Haynes Ambulance Service.

According to Jenrette, the bears are used by the agencies during traumatic situations involving children. It provides a positive tool in an otherwise intense setting.

All of the other stuffed animals went to St. Vincent’s Hospital, which is scheduled to open on Sept. 30., and will be used in situations that involve pediatric patients.

The Chilton County Human Resource Department also received some of the stuffed animals that will be included in Christmas packages given out to foster children each year.

Every Teddy bear and stuffed animal donated was used to some degree, and each item was used to benefit the community in some capacity.

Even the stuffed animals that were the most used and worn were given to the Chilton County Humane Society.

“The animals appreciate them, because they have the human smell on them and it provides a calming influence,” Jenrette said.

For more information about the “Teddy Bears of Love” program or questions of how to get involved, call (205) 217-1613.