Children build bears to comfort the sick

OREM — Chocolate-colored teddy bears and velvety-soft dogs line the wall of the new Build-a-Bear Workshop in the Orem mall.

During the store's opening ceremonies Friday morning, elementary-school children from Provo's Adventure Time program created stuffed animals that will find their way in the arms of sick children at the three Ronald McDonald Houses and various hospitals in Salt Lake City.

"It's going to a very special place," 9-year-old Danny said about his tan bear. "I hope they're happy for what they got."

The young children watched their empty bears get filled with stuffing and then a fabric heart — representing their love — before store employees cinched up the small stuffing hole.

After a quick hug and some pictures with their bears, the children said goodbye, and the bears were ready for their journey.

"I'm glad that they're going to help kids who have a bad sickness," said Lindsay, 9. "I hope they'll like it."

Along with the 12 bears from Friday, Orem's "Build-a-Bear Workshop" has pledged that the first 200 made today will also be given to the Ronald McDonald Houses for children who stay in facilities with their families and for the other children who must stay in a hospital.

"What I love is, it's something that's tangible," said Joie Payne, chief workshop manager. "It's a hug away from home. It's just right there all the time."

There are 237 Build-a-Bear Workshops throughout the nation and world. There are three in Utah, with Orem's shop setting the pace as the first one in Utah County.

The company frequently donates bears to the Ronald McDonald charities — a gift that is greatly appreciated, said Leslie Cunningham, community relations director for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Intermountain Area.

Because the homes take in 1,600 families a year and provide meals 365 days a year for hundreds of mouths, any donations are appreciated.

"Anything a house needs, we need," Cunningham said.

So when the Adventure Time group got the invitation to help a worthy cause and have some fun, the children were ready for the field trip.

"When an opportunity comes, we try to do it, (we) try to give back to the community," said Heather Wood, Adventure Time administrative assistant.

Those who visit the shop make their first decision in choosing which animal to build. Volunteers can choose anything from a baby puppy to a monkey, a Hello Kitty doll or a poodle.

After inserting a healthy dose of stuffing, the children dress their now-stuffed animals, choosing among myriad outfits, from a fairy princess to a Utah Jazz basketball player. There are even shoes, sunglasses and cell phones to ensure that the bear is up-to-date with fashion trends.

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E-mail: sisraelsen@desnews.com