South Bend International Airport kicked off Bears in the Air on Tuesday.

The program is in its fifth year.

The airport takes teddy bear donations to kids staying in hospitals next month ahead of Christmas.

South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg says it's now one of his favorite holiday traditions.

“Whenever you come to an airport, you learn a lot about the kind of community you're in. So when you come to the South Bend Airport now, you'll see this is a generous community that cares about our most vulnerable children and our most vulnerable veterans,” said Buttigieg.

Only new bears can be donated and if you would like to make a donation, there is an area set up inside the airport.