A year ago yesterday was a day I will not soon forget. It was the day that I got the call from LJ’s school that my little kindergartner had fallen unconscious and they were having a hard time getting him to come to. (You can read more about the story here.) An ambulance was called and he was brought to the Children’s Hospital ER by ambulance.
I wasn’t able to ride in the back of the ambulance with LJ and he was understandably scared (although I have to say that the EMTs did an amazing job of distracting him and making him feel safe). When we arrived at Children’s, I noticed that he was clutching a small stuffed bear.
The bear that LJ was given was a product of the Teddy Bear Patrol. The Teddy Bear patrol was formed in 1993 and has collected and distributed over 98,000 new teddy bears to local law enforcement and fire officials. These bears are then handed out to children in situations that might be frightening such as fire, abuse, accidents, etc. to help provide the children with a little comfort.
From now through April 20th, the Teddy Bear Patrol is accepting donations of new teddy bears at sponsor locations all over Southeastern Wisconsin. You can drop off a new, unused teddy bear at any Waterstone Bank location, All American Window & Door location or at the WTMJ studio at 720 E. Capitol Drive in Milwaukee (a spot I know well!). A full list of sponsor drop-off locations can be found here.
If you would like to help out, but are not in the SE Wisconsin area or cannot make it to a drop-off location, cash donations can be made by mailing a check for $10 to: WTMJ Teddy Bear Patrol, P.O. Box 620, Milwaukee, WI, 53201. All of the money collected will be used to purchase new bears to support the Teddy Bear Patrol.
If you have a child at home who would like to get involved, this makes a great scout or school project. Already, more than 20 schools throughout southeastern Wisconsin have registered to
hold teddy bear collection campaigns in support of the Teddy Bear Patrol. Any school interested in participating can contact Newsradio 620 WTMJ at (414) 967-5594 to register.
As someone who has seem firsthand how this small gesture can really help a scared child, I encourage you to do whatever you can to support the Teddy Bear Patrol.
Karen says
We have Kohls Cares for Kid’s and my son received the benefits while hospitalized. I think it’s wonderful for children and gives them a little comfort in an uncomfortable situation.
Laurie says
This is awesome they have the same thing where we are too
That Bald Chick says
What a great program!
April Decheine says
What an awesome program!
Tricia Nightowlmama says
what a wonderful program for such deserving and in need of children can make them feel better
Penelope (NYC Mom Blogger) says
Aww, that is so sweet (and they really are a comfort!)
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
That is such a great idea. It has to mean sooooo much to those kids!
Zippy says
What a great program that is.
Momstart says
Aww poor guy! What a great program
Jennifer (Double Duty Mommy) says
this is a great program!
Lolo @ Crazy About My Baybah says
Such an amazing program.
Toni Patton says
AWW poor little guy. But that is a wonderful idea. I don’t think they have that around here.
Dawn C says
That is an awesome program! The old hospital we used to go to for blood work would give away teddy bears (homemade by some elderly ladies) to the kids.
Amy says
What an awesome program!!
Kathleen says
What a great program and how awesome that your son could be given some comfort when you weren’t there.
Simply Being Mommy says
That is such an awesome cause and so cool that you got to experience it’s power firsthand.
Donna says
How scary that must have been for you! This is such a great program!
nicóle says
Awww that is so nice.
Megan says
My son was given a stuffed puppy from our local hospital when he was admitted. I love things like this!
Theresa says
What a great program! I know how scared you must have been. My boys have had a few ambulance rides themselves. 🙁
Marcie W. says
Amazing idea! Poor babies.
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV says
That is an amazing program, and SUCH a good idea!! Thank you for sharing it!
Shell Fruscione says
In college, my sorority’s mascot was a teddy bear so during recruitment’s philanthropy day we made bracelets for teddy bears & then donated them to the Teddy Bear Patrol. I loved the idea of it then, but I love it even more now that I see what a difference it actually made in your son’s life! 🙂
Tammy says
My son had a lot of surgeries when he was little. Whenever he had one, he would get a stuffed animal from the hospital. We still have all of them.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
What a sweet thing to do! I did get to ride with my son when he was 3 years old, but maybe that’s because I knew the firemen. ?
Tabby says
This is pretty much the best way teddy bears can help children in these cases. I love the cause and I would love to see more of this mission in the future.
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
Our police department participates in this!