PERRY, Iowa —Just days after the Perry school shooting that killed 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff and wounded seven others, one community group is using stuffed animals to make a difference.
Among the resources available for families impacted by the shooting, Boy Scout Troop 127 is hosting a teddy bear drive for elementary school students in Perry.
The troop has been gathering teddy bears and receiving payment for more on Venmo.
Fifth-grader Kyra Snyder and her dad Scot, the scoutmaster of the troop, said the idea came when the group gathered after the shooting.
“[The scouts said] can we do a stuffed animal drive?” Scot said. “[I said] absolutely. That’s what scouts do: we help out. And from that moment to today, I can’t imagine how much this has blown up.”
Now, with an outpouring of community outreach, the goal has grown to get enough stuffed animals for every kid in the elementary school.
The Snyders delivered some of the bears they’ve already received at the Perry Public Library Saturday to support those seeking out the library’s free counseling services.
Kyra said it’s heartwarming to see people stepping forward to make the drive happen.
“It’s amazing how the community came together. Absolutely amazing. Everyone is working their hardest to do whatever they can to help the community,” she said.
