Call goes out for
teddy bears as part
of child-abuse event

Thousands of new or gently used teddy bears or other stuffed animals are sought during the Eighth Annual Teddy Bear Round-up, sponsored April 2 by Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii and Partners for Prevention.

The goal for the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. event at Pearlridge Center Uptown Centerstage is to collect 3,868 teddy bears, the number of confirmed child abuse reports in Hawaii last year, said Elsie Foster, the Round-Up co-chairwoman.

She said Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii was overwhelmed by the community's support last year and hopes to achieve its goal again this year.

The bears will be distributed on all islands to family shelters, children's hospitals and other organizations that help families and children in crisis, she said.

"The first step in tackling this serious problem is educating people about child abuse and then providing alternative ways to relate to their children," Foster said.

"Even if we only help one family, we would have made a difference and possibly saved a child's life."

Confirmed child abuse cases in Hawaii have tripled over the past 20 years, according to the organization.

The annual teddy bear Round-Up is the highlight of a series of events observing Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

The first 1,000 families that make a donation will receive a blue ribbon to promote child abuse prevention and child-safety information.

Top local entertainers will join the teddy bears on the stage.

The popular Winnie-the-Pooh bear and other costume characters will collect teddy bears from the public.

Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii is a chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America which seeks to prevent child abuse through education, public awareness and advocacy of positive parenting and healthy families.

For more information about the Teddy Bear Round-Up and other activities during Child Abuse Prevention Month, as well as child abuse prevention programs, call 951-0200.