POCATELLO, Idaho - Doctors at Portnuef Medical Center recently found themselves treating an additional 770 patients - all dolls and stuffed animals.

The annual Teddy Bear Clinic drew a record turnout of children, who brought their dolls, bears and other stuffed animals in need of medical attention.

Saturday's event was aimed at making a visit to the hospital less frightening for children.

"It's like they are the parent. They get to experience it from the other side," hospital spokeswoman Crista Madsen Smith said. The event is targeted to kids ages 2 to 12.

Children explain their animal's problems to a receptionist while checking the toy into the hospital. Officials reported stories like "My bear broke his leg by jumping on the bed," or "My sister bit him."

The children also helped doctors decide how to treat the toys.

"X-ray is popular," Smith said. "Casting was probably the most popular this year, but surgery is always fascinating to kids."

If a child opts to put his or her animal under the knife, it is laid out on a table, the youngster gets a surgical mask and then a nurse discusses surgery and anesthesia.

By The Associated Press

BUTLER TWP - The Children's Creative Learning Center at Butler County Community College recently participated in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's annual Hop-a-thon.Children in the center, all of preschool age, took pledges for the event. Children were able to earn money based on the number of hops they were able to complete without having to stop.Donations for the event came from family, friends and BC3 employees.The children raised $1,065 for the association.