ERIN TIERNEY / The Chronicle SPRINGFIELD — On Tuesday, March 8, McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center received a donation of teddy bears from the Beta Theta Pi fraternity to comfort pediatric patients during their visit to the hospital. As part of their community service, Beta Theta Pi decided to hold an “Adopt-A-Bear” philanthropy project in hopes of donating teddy bears to McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center. Initial project goal was $1,000, over $2,000 was raised, resulting in over 300 teddy bears donated. “The hospital can be a scary place for children,” said Desi Shubin, chief nursing officer. “A teddy bear can be something they can hold onto and squeeze. Thanks to Beta Theta Pi, our pediatric patients can find some comfort in their bear.”
