SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The “Bears in the Air” program kicked off on Friday at the South Bend Airport. The program provides a teddy bear to children in area hospitals and also raises money for the Veteran’s Center in South Bend.

The party began at 6 p.m. and was held at the airport.

"This is what we do to help give back to the community," Mike Daigle said, Founder of Bears in the Air. "How we help make our community a better place to live. So we're hoping for about 500 people to come tonight. Last year we had about 450. It's been getting bigger every year, for the last eight. It's a good problem to have."

The entry cost $20. Anyone 21 or older could attend.

The program has received over 9 thousand teddy bear donations in the past 7 years.

The program also raised over $46,000 for the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center in South Bend.

Donations will be accepted by the program through December 13. You can donate by visiting Airport Information located in the airport terminal near baggage claim.

Go to the website for the South Bend International Airport to learn more on how you can donate and attend the kick-off party for Bears in the Air.