Teddy Love campaign set to collect 150 teddy bears for children in care

The Central Christian Church in Charlottetown is hosting a unique Christmas event to collect teddy bears for children in need through the Teddy Love campaign.

Coordinator Sara Townsend says it is the fourth year for the campaign, started to help children in care.

"When a child comes into care they are given a teddy bear to just have something to help them focus and not be so scared in the middle of the night, that's theirlittle teddy," she said.

The goal is to collect 150 teddy bears through a two-day event called the Bethlehem Experience.

Volunteers have been turning the church lobby into a replica of Bethlehem, complete with an indoor nativity scene.

"Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem to take the census and we are recreating that," said Townsend.

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Those visiting during Dec. 9 and 10 will be greeted by census takers and can register for the census.

Townsend said there will also be tax collectors who will be collecting taxes or a freewill offering that will be used as part of the teddy love campaign.

"This year we will be purchasing pajamas for the children as well as story books and last we started personal hygiene kits for the youth in permanent care."

Townsend said many church members support the cause and volunteer their time to help and are as committed to helping the children as she is.

"Christmas is a lonely time for some people, especially these kids that are in group homes and they don't have family to go home to," she said. "So this is nice for someone to be able to tell them that it's OK, people love you."

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