Write your article here...In 2022, 3-year-old Savannah Mack tripped and fell while playing, hitting her head on the sharp corner of the home stair railing. Her parents immediately pulled her into their arms and took her to the emergency room. Although they tried to reassure and comfort her, Savannah remained terrified and nervous. The only thing she wanted was her teddy bear, left behind at home in the rush to get to the hospital. Recognizing her discomfort, the hospital staff responded quickly. They blew up a medical glove, drew a little face on it, and turned it into a clever, comforting toy, providing her with support while receiving several stitches.

Savannah’s father, Stephen Mack, said, “A couple of years after Savannah’s injury, our family found a bulk order of stuffed toys. We decided to buy them and donate them to children in need of comfort at the same hospital where Savannah was treated for her head injury. Savannah’s nickname is ‘Savvy,’ and since we focus on stuffed animals, that’s how Savvy’s Stuffies was named and founded. Our mission is to bring stuffed toys to hospitals, emergency rooms, children’s centers, first responders and anywhere children face potentially traumatic situations.”

A hospital visit can be overwhelming, especially for someone experiencing discomfort, pain or uncertainty. A simple item like a stuffed animal can provide meaningful emotional support. 

In May, Savannah, now 7, and her father walked through the revolving doors of St. Mark’s Hospital in Millcreek carrying large plastic bags filled with stuffed animals. They were greeted by Katie King, Chief Nursing Officer at Mountain Star Healthcare’s St. Mark’s Hospital, who was thrilled to meet them and thanked them for their generous donation.

“As a comfort object, a stuffed animal can reduce agitation, provide grounding and create a sense of connection,” King said. “Hugging or holding something soft can have a calming effect on the nervous system, similar to weighted blankets. They can, and absolutely do, make a positive impact.”

According to King, although stuffed animals are typically associated with children, hospital staff have observed that adults benefit as well. Pediatric patients often form immediate attachments, but teenagers, adults and even elderly patients may also find unexpected comfort in these items, particularly during vulnerable times. “Whether it’s something to hold onto during a procedure or simply a reminder that someone cares, the emotional impact can be significant across all age groups,” King said. 

King continues, “Donations like stuffed animals often become a bridge between our clinical teams and the people we care for at the bedside. When a nurse offers a patient a comfort item, it’s more than a gesture, it’s a moment of human connection. It shows that we see the patient as a whole person. These interactions can help build trust, open communication, and create a more compassionate care environment, which ultimately supports better outcomes.”

Savvy’s Stuffies is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The family’s not-for-profit business has already donated over 800 stuffed animals and is hoping to continue receiving donations to further its goal of helping children in traumatic situations feel comforted with a stuffed toy when they need it most.

“Hopefully, we will be able to keep delivering stuffed animals to first responders and hospitals,” said Stephen Mack. “Any support we receive helps us continue our mission. We would love to give teddy bears to every hospital and to kids in challenging situations, so they feel a bit more comfortable. The most rewarding part of it all is seeing the kids' faces light up when we hand them a teddy bear and knowing we are making a difference.”

King points out that it’s not about the object itself so much as how it’s used.  

“Many years ago, as a house supervisor, I was called to the ER to help with a little guy who was pretty sick,” King said. “Our team was having a hard time providing care because he was crying and acting out simply because he was scared. An amazing ER nurse stepped in with a stuffed dinosaur, handing it to the little guy. The young patient grabbed the dinosaur and was clinging to it. The nurse used the dinosaur to connect with him. She then began interacting with the toy instead of addressing her patient directly, using it to explain procedures and reduce fear. The little guy gradually opened up, cooperated with treatment, and became more comfortable with everyone. That dinosaur and that nurse quickly aided in building trust, easing anxiety and improving the overall experience for everyone involved. Moments like this are a reminder of how powerful compassion, paired with simple gestures, can be.”

She added, “Any time we can make our patients feel more at ease, feel safer, more secure and better cared for, especially when you’re working with pediatric patients, it’s a win!”

For further information about Savvy’s Stuffies or to make a donation, visit www.savvysstuffies.org.