Teddy Bears For Suffering Keiki

Uncuddled and lonely teddy bears can find new purpose at Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii’s 18th annual Teddy Bear Drive and Family Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 at Windward Mall center court.

PCAH welcomes new and gently used bears and other stuffed animals for keiki who have suffered abuse. Last year, the group collected more than 7,000 animal friends for the cause.

Also planned are keiki activities, parenting information, photo ops with some cartoon favorites and entertainment by Island Storm. The first 500 families to make a donation will receive a special gift and child safety information.

The annual drive takes place in April in observance of Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, and is sponsored by PCAH, Child Abuse Planning Prevention Council, the state Department of Health and Foster Realty.

“These stuffed animals provide children with happiness and comfort,” explained Elsie Foster, volunteer chairwoman of the event.

“Our profound wish is that one day there is no need for a Teddy Bear Roundup because there will be no abused children.” Government figures from 2014 report about 3,400 incidents of child abuse and neglect, with 1,337 of them confirmed cases.

For more information, call 951-0200 or visit preventchildabuse.org.