05-02-2025
Hutchison Beach Elementary raises money for ‘Cuddles for Clefts'
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB) – A local school is raising money and awareness for children born with cleft palates and lips.
'We're raising money for kids to get stuffies,' student Nicole said.
Cuddles for Clefts is a nonprofit organization that provides care packages for kids undergoing cleft-related surgeries.
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Each care package has a t-shirt or onesie that says, 'Every smile has a story.' There's also a teddy bear with a scar stitched matching the scar like the child, and the book, 'Shining Stars.'
This is the third year Hutchison Beach Elementary is collecting 'coins for the cause'.
'I was born with cleft lip and palate. I've never had anything with scars: dolls, toys, nothing that looked like me. It means a lot to me because so many times people just kind of look at me and I can tell they want to ask a question, but they don't. So, I love teaching about differences in people. I'm going to match the winner of the whole school, whichever class has the most, I'm going to match that. Already we've raised $124. Last year the whole school raised $260,' Hutchison Beach Elementary teacher Chastity Adkins said.
'In our class, the orange house is winning,' student Jordan said.
The initiative is a part of the school's 'Leader In Me' program.
If you'd like to donate to Cuddles for Clefts, click here.
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