Brooklyn's Progress
October 2001

The Teddy Bear, invented 99 years ago in Brooklyn, has had a long history of helping people cope with difficult situations. Teddy bears are often used in schools, nursing homes, hospitals, women’s shelters, therapist’s offices and emergency medical teams use them to help the young and the old cope with traumatic situations. When the World Trade Center disaster happened on September 11, the Doll and Toy Museum of New York City knew that they had to do something for the kids. According to founder and director, Marlene Hochman, “We heard that hundreds of students saw from their downtown Brooklyn school windows the World Trade Center on fire. We later learned that so many children had lost loved ones and that they were going to be dealing with emotions stresses, fear and death. We quickly went into action and put together a relief project called ‘Teddy Bear Hugs to Wipe Away the Tears.’ We sent out the word about our project, and the North American Bear Company came to the rescue, as did dozens of Friends of the Doll and Toy Museum. We have heard from people in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, and California, all wanting to help the kids in New York City. It has been a warm outpouring of love.” Last week, the museum staff was busy preparing and delivering the teddy bears. Hundreds of bears have been delivered to elementary schools and to fire departments. The kids just love them. A teacher from The Brooklyn New School, who received a bear for her class, is going to let every child bring home the teddy bear for a special sleepover. She felt that the teddy bear would bring each child some comfort, and hopefully a peaceful night’s sleep. The museum will continue to reach out to the community to deliver more soft cuddly teddies and “Teddy Bear Hugs” where needed. To contribute to the “Teddy Bear Hugs” relief project, send a charitable contribution (not bears) to: The Doll and Toy Museum of New York City c/o Teddy Bear Hugs P.O. Box 022189 Brooklyn, NY, 11202. On Saturday, November 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. the Doll and Toy Museum of NYC is hosting an afternoon tea party and silent auction in Park Slope honoring the invention of the teddy bear, which occurred in Brooklyn 99 years ago. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the “Teddy Bear Hugs” relief project. For tickets to the tea party or for more information about the Museum, call (718) 243-0820. The Museum is a not-for-profit education institution established in 1999.