By Ruth SOWBY

For the third year, “Project Hug-a Bear” put Teddy Bears into the arms of dozens of patients at USC Keck-Verdugo Hills Hospital. On Monday, donors and hospital staff gathered for photos and thank you’s.Commemorating the release of the film, Wicked (hence the green bear), Bloomingdale’s donated the bears to the hospital.  The bears have long sold out in Bloomies’ stores. 

Bloomington’s Glendale store is the program’s corporate sponsor. Morgan Lobell, manager of Business Administration at  Bloomingdale’s Glendale, coordinated acquisition of the bears. 

“We couldn’t have accomplished this project without Morgan’s help and dedication,” said Vic Pallos, one of the donor partners, along with Chloe Ross. “She made it happen.”