“Beary” Special Gifts Arrive at Windfall School

Students at the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ (MCBDD) Windfall Preschool and School have some new furry friends, thanks to Medina County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Kevin Dunn and his staff. On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, several Juvenile Court employees, and even Santa Claus, handed out Build-A-Bear teddy bears to students at Windfall School.

These “beary” thoughtful gifts were provided through a Juvenile Court project that helps local youth fulfill their court-ordered community service time while showing them how they can have a positive impact on their community. The program, started in 2007, provides bears to preschool and elementary school aged children who attend Windfall School as well other children involved in community agencies like Medina County Job and Family Services foster care programs and wards within the Medina County Volunteer Guardianship Program. The supplies for the bears were funded through donations by Medina County Probate and Juvenile Court staff who contributed for Dress Down Friday’s each month. The bears were purchased through Build-A-Bear and when they arrived they were already filled with fluff and ready for volunteers and participants to dress each bear in its own unique outfit – pajamas, princess outfits, holiday-themed outfits, super hero costumes – and complete them with shoes and accessories. Finally, the bears were packed and prepared to be delivered into the arms of a special child.

During the delivery to Windfall School, Probate Court staff visited with each child as they received their new bear friends and helped them remove them from their carrying bags and boxes. “To see our students’ faces light up during this special event is so wonderful. We thank Judge Dunn and his staff and volunteers for making this generous event possible each year,” said Celeste Bajorek, Director of Children’s Services for MCBDD.