The Coronado Chamber of Commerce has partnered once again with the Coronado Police Department on their Annual Teddy Bear Drive, set to coincide with the Chamber’s annual Holiday Parade on Friday, December 1st. The Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive began in 1990 when Officer Brian Hardy from the Coronado Police Department was on a routine follow-up call at Rady Children’s Hospital. Navigating the halls of the hospital, Brian got lost looking for an exit when he noticed a bin marked “Toy Donations.” The nearly empty bin inspired Brian to take action, so he purchased 12 teddy bears with his own money and donated them to Rady Children’s.
It’s over 25 years later and the San Diego Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive has grown from one officer with 12 teddy bears to more than 100 officers representing 15 agencies. Even with all the effort on behalf of law enforcement officers, though, there are still not enough teddy bear donations to last the entire year—and that’s when the Chamber knew they had to get involved.
“We are so excited to join forces with the Police Department once again on this amazing program, especially as it was started right here in Coronado,” said Sue Gillingham, Executive Director for the Coronado Chamber. “We helped collect 1,500 bears last year in Coronado alone, so we are shooting even more this year. Our Annual Holiday Parade seemed like a perfect opportunity to ask the community for support…and teddy bears!”
Donations will be accepted in multiple locations this year. The Chamber is asking patrons attending the Annual Holiday Parade on Friday, December 1st to bring a new stuffed animal to donate. Officers will be walking the parameter of the parade with EDCO bins that patrons can stuff full of stuffed animals! The donation can be any type of stuffed animal as long as it is new with tags still attached.
Donation bins will be set up all over Coronado at City facilities and numerous local businesses with the Chamber’s help. The list of donation sites downtown includes Coronado Bliss Salon, Coronado Chamber of Commerce, Coronado Eagle & Journal, CMG Mortgage, Gensler Group, Glorietta Bay Inn, The Gondola Company, Nicky Rottens, Men’s Mojo and Miss Match. Guests who donate will be entered to win prizes at each participating locations.
The Chamber would like to thank EDCO Waste & Disposal for being the Parade’s title sponsor again this year. For more information on the Holiday Parade, contact the Chamber office at 619-435-9260. For more information on the Teddy Bear Drive, contact Lea Corbin of the Coronado Police Department at 619-522-7370.
