For a child going through a tough time, sometimes all they need is something fluffy and warm to brighten their day — something like a teddy bear.

In an effort to give children something special on Valentine’s Day, Voices of Praise, a musical student ensemble at Judson College, has decided to collect and donate teddy bears for the Lovelady Center in Birmingham.

The Lovelady Center is a rehabilitation center designed for women who are dealing with drug abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness or are simply going through an especially difficult time. The Center provides housing for approximately 450 women and children.

Susan Jones, director of faith-based service and learning for Judson College, said Voices of Praise wanted to do something special this Valentine’s Day for children who needed it most, so they decided to create the Teddy Bear Drive.

“This is a new fundraiser that they’re doing and we’ve actually never partnered with the Lovelady Center before,” Jones said. “They were looking for something that they could do to give back to the community and some of the students are from the Birmingham area so they knew of the Lovelady Center and decided that it would be a good thing to do.”

So far, Jones said students have collected quite a few stuffed animals, but they are still in need of more.

“People can donate any kind of stuffed animal as long as it’s in good condition,” she said. “They’ve collected quite a few teddy bears already, but obviously they would like to have more.”

Those who wish to donate to the program can drop off teddy bears in the student center at Judson College, 302 Bibb St., Marion. The deadline to submit stuffed animals is Feb. 8.

“I think it’s a really cool way to do something small with something you already have that will impact a child that’s having a hard time,” Jones said. “I think those little things mean more than you realize.”

For more information on the Teddy Bear Drive, call Jones at 334-683-5276.