SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend International Airport kicks off its 8th annual Bears in the Air program with a reception on Friday.

The $20 reception entry fee will provide a teddy bear to a child in an area hospital and assistance to veterans at the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center.

The first bears will be donated during a program at 10 a.m. on Tuesday when the airport authority's board president will be joined by Director Lani Vivirito of the veteran's center, Joe Hart, president of the South Bend Cubs and Stu D. Baker.

If you cannot attend the event on Friday, you can drop off donations through December 16 at the Airport Information window near baggage claim.

“We are excited to celebrate the program’s eighth year. Thanks to the support and generosity from our community, Bears in the Air has continued to grow significantly,” said SBN’s CEO & Executive Director Mike Daigle. “In the past seven years, over 9,000 teddy bears have been provided to children in area hospitals and $46,000 to the Veteran’s Center in downtown South Bend.”

Click here for more information on the reception and donations.