Last month over 150 Teddy Bears were collected during the New Melle Christmas Tree Lighting event. Those “Teddy Bears for Trevor” were collected to be given to hospitalized children at Christmas. The teddy bears were donated in memory of Trevor Joerling who lost his battle with lymphoma in 2014 at the age of 16.

This year, Trevor’s family (parents Todd and Brandee, and sister Darby) were joined by the Wildschuetz family (Brady, Lacey and Lisa) early Christmas morning for what has become an annual event for their family as a means to give back to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The two families stuffed bags for each patient full of toys, puzzles, pajamas, and of course, Trevor’s teddy bears. Brandee Joerling said they felt especially blessed to surprise patients and their families that were admitted on Christmas Eve. Another stop was to Friends of Kids With Cancer where they dropped off several garbage bags full of teddy bears and other items.   Brandee said, “It is always a heartwarming feeling and we thank our family and friends in the New Melle community who supported this effort.”

The Joerling and Wildschuetz Families with gift bags they prepared
for patients at St. Louis Children's Hospital.