Author: Gretchen Kalar
Some of the stuffed animals that were collected for the DHHS Bunny Drive from Disability Determination Services.
April 24, 2019 – DHHS offices in Raleigh collected 2,920 stuffed animals for the 2019 Bunny Drive, breaking last year’s all-time record of 2,817.
The Bunny Drive is an annual event for DHHS. Donations are delivered to Triangle area hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, domestic violence centers, surgical rehab centers, rescue missions and hospice facilities.
Helen Wilkins and Robyn Slate of the Office of Controller run the Bunny Drive.
The Bunny Drive was started over 25 years ago by David Matthews, a former employee with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Matthews started the drive to thank Duke Hospital for the care they gave his child during her stay there. Bunnies and other stuffed animals have been delivered to some hospitals for over 20 years.
For 2019, the Division of Health Benefits had the most contributions for the donation drive this year with 660 critters. The Division of Public Health came in second place with 509 critters and the Information Technology Division came in third place with 482 critters.