As a way to connect with the community and those in need, members of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Landisville, recently collected stuffed animals for the Penn State Health Children's Lancaster Pediatric Center on Harrisburg Pike.

Judy Traup, a member of the Care Team at Zion, explained that the church wanted to provide comfort to children in the hospital when they might otherwise be feeling discouraged or scared.

More than 200 animals were blessed by pastor Timothy Seitz-Brown in worship before being delivered to the clinic by some of the members of the church.

The animals were well received by Dr. Esther Forrester, director of pediatrics, and employees at the clinic. They stated how important these gifts are to children as they face health issues.

All of this was made possible by donations from the congregation and a grant from Thrivent Financial.