Our Bears - The debate amongst Bear Lovers is the humble beginning of the Teddy Bear that both Great Britain and America claim stake to. The British lay claim to the Teddy Bear on the basis of the nickname of King Edward VII, which was "Teddy". In the United States, the connection is with President Theodore Roosevelt (also nicknamed "Teddy"). While bear hunting in Mississippi in 1902, Rooselvelt decided to spare the life of a bear cub, which had been orphaned during the hunt. The event was the subject of a cartoon that was seen by husband and wife shop owners, Morris and Rose Michtrom. Mrs. Michtrom was inspired by the cartoon and created a toy bear that was displayed in her shop window. The Michtrom's wrote to Roosevelt requesting permission to name the bear "Teddy". The rest is history.

Wherever their origin, the Teddy Bear has been embraced world wide as a childhood companion, which some "children" continue to hold dear well into their latter years. It is this special relationship between people - of all ages - and their bears that Hearts and Hope honors. It is the comforting symbolism behind the bear that has led us to the tradition of providing a Teddy Bear to each child who enters our "home" to call their own - a special friend to hug during happy times and to hold on to during sad times. Our selection of these "special friends" is completely dependent on the generous donations by community members.