DAYTONA BEACH – On Christmas morning, Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center gave every patient in the 327-bed facility a prayer shawl or a teddy bear.

More than 400 teddy bears were gifted. Volunteers, staff and community members handmade and donated more than 170 prayer shawls.

“Many blessings are prayed into every stitch of the prayer shawls. The person creating the shawl begins with prayers and blessings for the unknown recipient, and these intentions are continued throughout its creation. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl was given to a patient,” said Linda Koch, Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center ministry project coordinator. “Many patients were touched with the thoughtful gift on Christmas morning and shared their appreciation.”