By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Chilton County Peach Queens made a special visit to St. Vincent’s Chilton hospital on Nov. 13 to present stuffed animals for the hospital emergency room to use to help children and patients with special needs stay calm.

Miss Peach Queen Abbey Porter said she was glad they could help the community and “bring children comfort in the ER.”

“I’ve never been in the hospital, but I know if I was I would want something to comfort me,” Porter said.

Porter said the hospital had requested stuffed animals with stitched, rather than plastic eyes, so the eyes could not fall off and become a choking hazard. She said this style of stuffed animals proved difficult to find, but the Queens finally located them in the infant section of a store.

Junior Miss Peach Halle Sullivan said she was excited about the project because it “gives us an opportunity to give back to people who have been hurt or injured.”

Each patient who receives a stuffed animal gets to keep it when they leave the hospital.

The Queens plan to continue collecting stuffed animals with stitched eyes and donating them as they find them. They are also asking the community for help in finding and purchasing more stuffed animals. Amy Porter, Abbey’s mom, said those interested in being a part of the ongoing project can contact her at aporter@suncresthealth.com.

The Peach Queens represent the Clanton Lions Club and Chilton County at various events and volunteer projects throughout their year-long reign.