Representatives from the Chattanooga Zoo are presenting Children’s Hospital at Erlanger with donated stuffed animals for pediatric patients.
Service System Associates, the Chattanooga Zoo's retail and food services provider, started a campaign to offer patrons the option to purchase large, plush, stuffed animals in the zoo’s gift shop to be donated to the Children’s Hospital patients. Chattanooga Zoo guests eagerly rose to the occasion and purchased numerous stuffed animals for the patients.
“The Chattanooga Zoo is a great community partner of the children’s hospital,” said Ashley Zani, child life specialist at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
“Watching the children’s faces light up with joy from receiving such a thoughtful gift during stressful times is truly what it is all about.”
"The goal of this program is to partner with our community and share the joy and comfort animals bring to children having procedures or an extended stay at the hospital. Stuffed animals for donation are still available for purchase in the Chattanooga Zoo gift shop," officials said.