Wake Forest Kids Will Get Cuddly Treatment from EMS

Wake County EMS accepted 25 stuffed dogs and cats with gratitude from people at the Northern Wake Senior Center.

The little animals are cute and cuddly -- and soon they will be given out to children involved in accidents.

"It just goes to ease their fear if they get something like a stuffed animal or something they're used to having. It kind of helps their security," said Tony Crawford of Wake County EMS.

Seniors at Northern Wake and at two other centers are donating their time and talents to bring the animals to life.

"After they're sewed, I come to Margaret and say, 'Please, Margaret, I need help,' and she's right there and she stuffs," said Janette Wakefield, who is a dollmaker.

The group started out this year by making 1,400 of the dolls for same-day surgery patients at Rex Hospital.

Their goal is to make 600 stuffed animals for Rex patients by the end of December, for a total of 2,000 toys for the year 2000.

"The concept that people think that senior centers are just for bingo or they just sit around in wheel chairs or rocking chairs is far from the case," said Miranda Strider-Allen of Resources for Seniors.

For their efforts, the seniors have received the Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Services.