Admiral Farragut Academy cadets ventured off campus last Thursday to
the Build-a-Bear Workshop in Tampa to make one of a kind teddy bears
that they generously donated later in the day to brighten the lives
of abuse victims at The Haven of RCS in Clearwater.
CLEARWATER - Under the leadership of Lt. Andrew Forrester, 42 cadets from Admiral Farragut Academy's (AFA) Upper Division participated in a fieldtrip to the Build-A-Bear Workshop at the International Mall Plaza located in Tampa Thursday. Before returning to campus in St. Pete, the cadets stopped off in Clearwater to donate the custom designed teddy bears they made to The Haven of Religious Community Services (RCS).
The cadets paid a fee of $30 to participate in the endeavor, one of AFA's Key Club Community Service Projects that was spearheaded by AFA sophomore class president, Zachary Northcutt, of Palm Harbor. All of the cadets hoped that the teddy bears they created would brighten the life of an abuse victim.
Said Forrester, "Many of the cadets stated in notes they wrote to accompany the bears that they hoped that the recipient would enjoy the bear as much as they did making it."
The bears will be given to women and their children in crisis who are seeking a safe haven from domestic abuse. The Haven of RCS provides shelter and counseling to domestic abuse victims for up to 45 days.
In addition to The Haven, RCS is backed by nearly 90 local churches and temples and advocates for the abused and homeless by serving the community with a food bank for Pinellas County residents, the Grace House serving homeless families with children, the Haven Transitional Living Program which offers supportive services for domestic abuse victims and Stepping Stone of RCS which offers low cost housing.
At this time, The Haven is seeking volunteers interested in helping to bolster their programs. Volunteer Coordinator Barbara Stephensen would like to hear from Gazette readers who would like to contribute their talents or time. Volunteer opportunities include legal advocacy; public relations; fundraising; childcare; phone; computer; and general office duties. Phone The Haven's 24 hour hotline for more information at: (727)442-4128.
