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Winchester Elks Lodge #2816, located at 255 Shoppers Drive, is always looking for ways to help youth. 

On the morning of Saturday, October 5, a Teddy Bear Breakfast took place from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 

The opportunity provided a chance for Clark County first responders with teddy bears that could be given to children to help alleviate stressful situations. 

“If a teddy bear can calm a kid down in a bad situation…we’re all about collecting the bears for those kids,” said Larry Hall, exalted ruler of Winchester Elks Lodge #2816. “I think it’s just awesome.” 

The event comes just one week after the effects of Hurricane Helene left many families displaced, property damaged, and more throughout North Carolina and other states. 

Much of the money raised at the breakfast – which cost $12 to enter – will thus be used for productive means. 

“I think what we’re going to do…[is] take the money that we made today to help with the disaster relief in North Carolina and places like that,” Hall added. “Our Elks’ motto is ‘Elks Care. Elks Share’. So, that’s what we’re doing.” 

The breakfast brought out many from the community, including former Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner and his wife, Carolyn, Clark County Coroner Neal Oliver, Craig Bridgewater of Bridgewater Real Estate and more. 

Attendees were certain to not go home hungry as the event featured pancakes, sausage, biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, and more, plus orange juice, soft drinks, and more were provided. 

Fortunately, the amount of teddy bears donated came in high supply. 

An entire pool tables’ worth featured care bears, multiple Winnie the Pooh bears, a bear shaped like a unicorn, and – among many others – even a bear with the map of Kentucky showing cities such as Bowling Green and Frankfort incorporated on it. 

“Every one of them will stay in Clark County [with] the fire department, EMT’s, Sheriff’s Department, police service, [and] all that,” Hall added. “As soon as we get all those together, I’ll get them separated out.” 

For Hall – who hopes to make a trip to North Carolina as soon as the coming week – the Elks Lodge Breakfast, which happens multiple times per year, is a good way to see community members and make a positive impact. 

“We’re all about…giving back to the community,” he said.