Thousands of teddy bears tossed onto ice

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By Sabrina Rodriguez, Eyewitness News

Summary

It's Bakersfield's biggest night on ice, the Condors Teddy Bear Toss. We follow the journey of one bear that will make one child very happy during the holiday.

Story Created: Nov 29, 2009 at 1:12 AM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 30, 2009 at 12:33 PM PDT

Thousands of teddy bears tossed onto ice
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- It's a big day for at least one teddy bear, because he's about to go on a journey. A very long journey.

The bear is about to become a key part of the Condors Teddy Bear Toss, which is about more than just tossing a teddy onto the ice.

"One of the most important needs we have during this time of year is for kids being able to receive a gift during Christmas time," explained Jim Wheeler who works for the United Way of Kern County.

The United Way is the agency in charge of getting our teddy where he needs to go.

Here's how the event works, people bring in stuffed animals and when the Condors score their first goal of the game, the toys are tossed onto the ice.

When that magic moment happens, a waterfall of bears come streaming in.

"It's exciting to know that some child is going to receive a gift that they might not otherwise receive," Wheeler said of the event.

After a quick trip to the ice our bear's journey continues, though it's not exactly certain where he'll end up.

"There are agencies who'll receive these and they'll be able to use them for Toys For Tots," said Wheeler. The stuffed animals won't just stay in Bakersfield, they will to agencies located in Wasco, Shafter, Taft, and other outlying areas.

However, it is certain the teddy will end up in the arms of a grateful child, and that's something the tossers can take pride in being part of.

"We're honored to have a part in bringing a smile to a young child this time of year," said Wheeler.

The United Way hoped to collect 8000 stuffed animals at this year's event. The toys will then be distributed to 61 agencies, which will give them to needy children.