Bartell Drugs brings back 'Teddy Bear Patrol' for 28th year

SEATTLE — Bartell Drugs is teaming up with radio station Warm 106.9 FM for the annual "Teddy Bear Patrol" campaign, April 2 through 29, intended to give "bear hugs" to children in stressful or traumatic situations. This marks the 28th year of this campaign.

The annual drive puts teddy bears in the hands of community police departments, hospitals and emergency response teams so they may give the bears to children involved in challenging situations. With a more than 125-year history in the Northwest, Bartell Drugs' 63 stores in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties are designated locations for teddy bear donations. For every customer purchase of an official "Bartell Bear" for $8, Bartells will donate a second bear to the campaign.

During last year’s drive, more than 10,000 bears were donated for this cause, a 38% increase in bears donated from the previous year’s campaign.

In addition to store-wide collection efforts, Bartells and Warm 106.9 have teamed up for two special collection events at Bartell locations with the station's on-air personalities and fire and police personnel (subject to availability) on hand to personally accept donations for the drive. They are scheduled for Saturday, April 15 at Edmonds Bartell Drugs, 23028 100th Ave., West, Edmonds, from noon to 2 p.m. and Saturday, April 22 at Issaquah Bartell Drugs, 5700 East Lake Sammamish Parkway SE, Issaquah, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Bears will be accepted in all Bartell Drugs locations through April 29. Bartell’s asks that no donated bears are over 12 inches in length.