The Coronado Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Coronado Police Department on their Annual Teddy Bear Drive, set to coincide with the Chamber’s annual Holiday Parade on Friday, December 2nd. 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 now 26 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 why the Chamber knew they had to get involved.
“We are so excited to join forces with the Police Department on this amazing program, especially as it was started right here in Coronado,” said Sue Gillingham, Executive Director for the Coronado Chamber. “They were able to collect 1,200 bears last year in Coronado alone, so we are shooting for a goal of 1,500 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 their Annual Holiday Parade on Friday, December 2nd to bring a new stuffed animal to donate. Officers will be walking the perimeter 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 now at numerous local businesses with the Chamber’s help. The list includes the Coronado Police Department, City Hall, Rec Center, Chamber Office, CMG Mortgage, Coronado Bliss Salon, Coronado Hardware Paint & Glass, Coronado Eagle & Journal, Coronado Private Bank, Glorietta Bay Inn and the Visitors Center. Guests who donate at the Chamber office, located at 1125 Tenth Street, will be entered to win one of 30 movie passes for two to Vintage Cinemas.
The Chamber has also partnered with the Coronado Ferry Landing for a “10-Days of Thanks-Giving” program in support of the Teddy Bear Drive. Shoppers who donate at one of six Ferry Landing locations from November 23rd through December 3rd will receive a discount or free gift with purchase. The participating drop-off locations are Lil’ Piggy’s BBQ or Village Pizzeria (15% off purchase), Men’s Mojo (free socks), Miss Match (free earrings), Bike & Kayak Tours (free 90-minute double kayak rental) and Bikes & Beyond (free half hour surrey bike rental).
The Hotel del Coronado has also pledged to help this year as well, dedicating their Polar Bear Tea on Thursday, December 22nd to the Teddy Bear Drive. The Polar Bear Tea treats families to a classic tea experience with a twist, including a special children’s spread including activities, book readings with Mrs. Claus and more. A plush polar bear keepsake gift from Coca-Cola will be given to guests who donate a new stuffed animal for the Teddy Bear Drive. Reservations for this event can be made by calling 619-522-8490.
“The overwhelming response we’ve already received from local businesses wanting to get involved has been tremendous,” said Gillingham. “From local businesses wanting donation bins to the Ferry Landing’s 10 Days of Thanks-Giving to the Del’s Polar Bear Tea, we are already blown away and we’re just getting started!”
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.
