Bear Roundup Returns To Mall

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More than 5,000 stuffed animals were collected on the Pearlridge Uptown Center Stage last year for Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii’s Teddy Bear Round-Up. The organization returns this weekend to accept donations that will bring comfort to abused children islandwide. Photo by Russ Lynch.

Show you care with a teddy bear at the 13th annual Teddy Bear Round-Up and Family Resource Fair this Saturday at Pearlridge Center’s Uptown Center Court.

Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii will collect new or gently used stuffed animals between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for children who have suffered from child abuse.

“These stuffed animals provide children with happiness and comfort,” said chairwoman Elsie Foster. “Our profound wish is that one day there is no need for a Teddy Bear Round-Up because there will be no abused children.”

The first 500 families to donate a stuffed animal will receive a special gift and child safety information. The day also will include family activities, live entertainment, parenting information and refreshments.

This annual event is part of a monthlong series of programs funded by the state Department of Health to observe Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

For more information about the round-up or other Child Abuse Prevention Month activities, call 951-0200 or visit www.preventchildabusehawaii.org.