Jonesboro Offering Connecticut Victims Hope To Hold Onto

Especially in cities that have gone through similar horrific events, like what happened in Newton Connecticut Friday.

Whenever something like this happens people pull together to try and help in any way possible and those in Jonesboro know more than anyone how they can do that.

That's because the community was victim to such a tragedy when in 1998 four students and a teacher were shot and killed at Westside Middle School.

Families who lost children in the shooting have started a drive for teddy bears they said because it helped them get through such a difficult time.

That it was something to hold onto when everything else seemed lost.

Each bear being collected at locations across Jonesboro will be delivered to Connecticut children with messages like one that reads "I'm very sorry for what happened at your school. I hope this bear makes you feel better. Love caroline from Arkansas."

"There's always hope," said Betty Paevler who lives behind Westside Middle School."I you have faith there's always hope."

Just one small way a community is able to tell another, not to give up.

The Westside Middle School will also be putting on a bucket brigade this Tuesday to collect money during drop-off and pick-up of students.

They are contacting other schools to do the same.

For information on how to donate a teddy bear contact Meagan Cremeens at (870) 273-4730 or Pam Herring at (870) 926-3835

Or by using drop-off locations at: Southwest Church, City Church, Westside Middle School, Valley View Jr. High, The Refinery, The Forum Theater, KEG Towing, Weiner Public Library, Neddleton Jr. High, J. Christopher Toys, or Kohl's in Jonesboro.