Calling Teddy

News staff writer
June 3, 2006

State, county and local child welfare advocates are hosting a weeklong drive June 5-10 for teddy bears, backpacks, clothing, school supplies and toiletries for Oregon children in foster care.

Every day an average of 10 Oregon children are placed in foster care statewide. Not only do they experience the trauma of separation from their home and family, but they may also leave behind their toys and clothing.

“Even as home meth labs have declined in Oregon, the need for foster care for drug endangered children continues to strain Oregon’s foster care system,” said Hood River Police Chief Bruce Ludwig.

Hood River Police Department, at Second and State streets, serves as the drop-off site for people who want to bring in teddy bears, backpacks and other items.

“For younger kids, a teddy bear can be a comforting connection to help them in their transition to a new life,” said Barbara Young of Soroptimist. “For all of the kids, backpacks filled with new clothing or other needed supplies can mean the difference between ,losing everything and having something to hold onto,” she said.

“Reports from around the state confirm that children rescued from homes in which drugs, especially methamphetamine, are used, continue to be placed in foster care at very high levels,” Ludwig said.

Alcohol and drug issues, including meth, represent the larges, single family problem when abuse and neglect are present, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Soroptimist International clubs around the state will coordinate with law enforcement to collect and deliver donated items to local Department of Human Services offices around the state.

Suggested donations for various ages of boys and girls include:
* packaged underwear
* new socks
* new sweat pants or shirts
* new summer clothing
* comb or brush
* pencils, paper, ruler, colored pencils, folders
* stuffed teddy bears
* backpacks
For more information about this event, please contact Kathy Verger Muscus at (541) 267-5540.