Former LLUCH Patient Launches Annual Teddy Bear Drive for Children’s Hospital

Former Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital patient Caden Henderson has launched his fourth annual teddy bear drive, continuing nine years of support for the hospital since his own experience there in 2016.

Henderson, now a sophomore at the University of Redlands, has collected more than 1,300 teddy bears and raised over $20,000 since beginning his efforts. His initiative stems from gratitude for the care he received during his four-day hospital stay.

“The Child Life team at the hospital is so special,” Henderson said. “They put me at ease and provided activities and games to help pass the time. We were lucky our stay was only four days, while other children had to stay for much longer. I’m happy to find even a small way to give back and help those patients.”

This year’s drive runs through Dec. 15, with donations of new teddy bears accepted at multiple locations. Bears in their original packaging, such as those sent directly from Amazon, are particularly encouraged to ensure sterility for the hospital’s most vulnerable patients. The bears will be delivered to patients during the week of Christmas.

Drop-Off Locations:

• Paulson Orthodontics, Redlands (also accepting bears by mail)
• Star Tulip Stuffies House of Fine Stuffed Animals, Redlands (offering discounted bears for the drive while supplies last)
• CycleBar, Redlands and Rancho Cucamonga
• Amazing Lash Studio, Redlands and Upland
• 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, Beaumont
• La Loma Credit Union, Loma Linda and Riverside
• Inland Dental Care, Highland

The drive has received support from several local organizations, including Arrowheart, the nonprofit arm of Arrowhead Credit Union, which is donating a group of new teddy bears for the hospital drop-off. Burrtec San Bernardino supplied collection boxes for all drop-off locations, and Phyllis Kates of PK Design graciously provided flyer and logo graphic design services.

For updates on the drive, visit the Instagram page @caden_center.