Students in Kim Speth's clothing construction class at Agoura High School recently reached out to the community-inspired by an article they read in a June 2005 issue of The Acorn about the Westlake Village-based Buena Vista Hospice Care's "Memorial Bear" program.

The hospice asks families grieving the loss of a loved one to choose a favorite article of clothing or a blanket that represents a positive remembrance

of their loved one. The fabric is then crafted into a stuffed "memorial bear" and returned to the family as a keepsake.

Agoura High School student Kayla Spiroff read the article about the program and approached Speth about it. When Speth asked her students about the idea of participating in the program, their response was enthusiastic. Students crafted about 25 memorial bears to present to families through the hospice.

Those interested in volunteering time or services to this program should call Diane at (805) 777-1133.