Note: I am a proud supporter of this effort, and hope that you will help increase donations well beyond the expected goal before the Sept. 13 deadline (Sunday.) -KtE

The goal was 100 boxes, and the goal was reached with flying colors.

Polk County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Blair Elrod reported that the NICU Cuddle Bear Box Drive being held in honor of her niece reached its goal this week before the Sept. 13 donation deadline, and that those who want to contribute can still do so and ensure that additional families are shown love during the holiday season.

She thanked all those who have participated in the drive, and said that additional updates about the effort will be forthcoming once the boxes are ordered.

Elrod organized the fundraiser to honor honor of her niece Kelsyn Hooper, born last year at 35 weeks gestation, and needed a week in the NICU at Floyd Medical Center before being allowed to return home healthy and happy.

Boxes will be given out to families as part of NICU Awareness Month during the holidays, when it is the hardest time to be separated from a newborn.

Boxes are $25 each and donations can be sent via PayPal by clicking this link: https://paypal.me/floydcuddlebears or via Venmo by sending donations to @floydcuddlebears In the notes section of each payment form donors can notate if the donation is in honor or memory of a loved one.

Once the drive closes, bears will be purchased and labels added. The Cuddle Bear Drive will run until September 13th. Any questions can be sent to FloydCuddleBears@gmail.com.