Local College Student Honored As 'Hero' For Pandemic Work

HARTFORD, CT. – A local Central Connecticut State University student and dance teacher has been honored by the Boston Celtics as a "Hero Among Us" for her work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Olivia Carlson, 22, lost her father over a year ago. During that time, she found comfort in the Build-a-Bear teddy bears they had made for one another.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Carlson started making "QuaranTine Bears," to help bring the same comfort to children while raising safety awareness regarding COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. She created the "QT Bears," as they're referred to, by hand, learning to sew in the process.

Carlson creates matching masks for the bears and the children they are made for, and includes a handwritten notes with tips on how to be safe. and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In a post on her GoFundMe page, Carlson said she has chosen to raise money for Save the Children Federation, inc., "because of all that they're doing to help children around the world survive this COVID-19. pandemic."