Local children’s homes will soon have some new teddy bears to comfort their residents, thanks to the women of Alpha Xi Delta and the rest of the greek community.The sorority’s annual philanthropic event benefits children at the Beloit Lutheran Children’s Home, 1323 Northwestern Ave., and Blank Children’s Hospital, 1200 Pleasant St., Des Moines.The teddy bear drive is part of Alpha Xi Delta’s national philanthropy, “Choose Children,” said Jill Graziano, one of the event’s organizers. Those wishing to contribute to the drive may contact Alpha Xi Delta at 292-5604 or drop off donations of new bears or stuffed animals at the sorority house, 315 Lynn Ave. The drive ends Thursday, Feb. 8.Graziano, junior in elementary education, said 30 stuffed bears have already been collected from members of the sorority. Contributions from the rest of the greek community will be collected on the last day of the drive, which usually brings in about 100 bears, she said.Lisa Nash, senior in child and family services took the bears to Beloit Children’s Home, which she said was a heartwarming experience.”It was neat to see the kids’ expressions,” she said. “They were so excited.”Ilene Cann, director of Beloit Resource Operations, said Beloit serves approximately 35 children between the ages of six and 13 with emotional and behavioral disorders. The average length of stay per child is between nine and 12 months, she said.Cann said the distribution of new toys has positive effects on both the children and staff at Beloit.”It is great to see the joy on the kids’ faces when the community shows an interest in them,” she said. “It helps them to know that they have not been forgotten.”The teddy bears and other stuffed animals will be delivered to the facilities Friday or Saturday by two or three members of the sorority, Graziano said.”Blank Children’s Hospital gives bears to each of its patients, and this way, we can help replenish their supply,” Nash said.