When Naples firefighters roll up to a scene, they never know what they will encounter.

Motor vehicle accidents, house fires, medical emergencies. Nearly 1,000 times a year they respond to their community during a crisis.

And when those events involve children, it’s even more difficult.

But a new community project to provide a small sense of comfort to those children in crisis will soon be taking off and Fire Chief Justin Cox is very grateful.

That’s because the United Methodist Church of Good Fellowship will soon launch a drive to ask for new donated teddy bears, stuffed animals and Beanie Babies so first responders can hand them out in difficult times.

“I think it’s awesome they are thinking about the community and the younger generation,” Cox said. “We’ll put it to good use.”

Church liturgist and greeter Deb Bilodeau is behind the effort and was inspired by a recent focus on hope during worship services.

“We’ve been talking about what we can do for the community,” she said. “We’re having services on hope.”

Bilodeau recalled hearing a story from a woman whose child was given a bear by emergency crews after he suffered seizure.

“It meant so much to them, and this was years ago, they still have the bear now,” she said.

A 30-year church member, Bilodeau sees the need not only to help children but also to hand out stuffed animals to the elderly living at the Woodlands Memory Care Center in nearby Bridgton.

Leann Sebrey, chief operating officer at Woodlands, said there are many studies that show small gestures, like receiving a teddy bear, can make a big difference in the lives of those who suffer from dementia.

“It does provide comfort and security and helps to decrease anxiety and agitation,” she said.

They can also help residents interact with each other and staff members, along with providing companionship.

“Having the opportunity to nurture, that can be empowering,” she said. “That well-being is important. It makes a difference.”

Bilodeau said donations should be new stuffed animals, teddy bears or Beanie Babies. They can be dropped off at the church between Oct. 4-Oct. 28.

Drop-off hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays; 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays; and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

And before they head out the door, there will be an official blessing of the donated items at a 9 a.m. service on Nov. 5.