Massage Envy clinics throughout Puget Sound – including Kirkland – will offer free massages to first responders in their local communities during the week of July 15-19.

Starting on Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19, police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) actively employed in the line of duty are invited to receive one free one-hour therapeutic massage session at any Massage Envy Puget Sound location.

In addition, during that week each clinic will simultaneously host a clinic-wide teddy bear drive to collect cuddly friends to help comfort children in trauma situations. All teddy bears collected will be donated to fire stations, police stations and hospitals within each clinic’s community.

Created by local Massage Envy clinic and spa owners, the “Thanking our Community Heroes” program offers a way to thank each community’s first responders by providing beneficial stress relief through therapeutic massage, as well as collecting teddy bears for use in the field.

Free massage sessions for EMTs, police officers and firefighters are by appointment only. Participants are encouraged to book as soon as possible as the spots fill up fast.

To reserve a free massage session, contact the closest Puget Sound Massage Envy location directly; a list of clinics and contact information is available on the Massage Envy website at www.massageenvy.com/regions/WA/Seattle.aspx. Proof of employment, such as an ID badge, in one of these organizations will be requested at check-in.

The Massage Envy in Kirkland is located at 11620 97th Lane NE. For information, call (425) 284-4284.

Any Massage Envy members or new visitors who donate a new bear will also receive a free enhanced therapy, such as aromatherapy, with their paid massage session. Teddy bear donations must be brand new and no bigger than 12 inches.

All 23 Puget Sound Massage Envy clinics are participating in the free community massage event and teddy bear drive.