Princeton Senior Resource Center project makes sure that every child has a designer-clad bear
By: Rachel Silverman
It may take a village to raise a child, but a simple teddy bear, it seems, can elicit a heck of a lot of joy in a kid.
This holiday season, each child at Princeton Nursery School on Leigh Avenue will receive a cuddly gift, thanks to an annual Princeton Senior Resource Center project.
The center, located behind Borough Hall, has run its teddy bear drive for 24 years now. According to project coordinator April McElroy, the center receives about 100 free bears annually from the Salvation Army. The toys are then dispersed to and decorated by local residents.
Originally begun as a project for senior citizens, the effort now includes a number of center employees. Borough and township municipal workers also outfit about 30 teddy bears annually.
Ms. McElroy said that costumes range from Christmas garb to fishermen’s gear, and they sometimes are handmade.
"We get people who crochet or knit whole outfits," she said. "It’s been a joy for them."
Township Clerk Linda McDermott said this year’s creations included bears with beach, ballerina and New York Yankees themes.
"We all get a kick out of seeing how the bears come back," she said. "It’s fun and it’s for the kids, and that’s what’s important."
In December, the animals are perched in Nassau Street store windows for public exhibition. This year, participating venues include Landau’s, Hulit’s Shoes and the Historical Society of Princeton.
On Dec. 20, the toys will be delivered to Princeton Nursery School. Outfitted as Santa Claus, borough Public Works employee Bill Urian will accompany the presents with some holiday cheer.
While about half the bears will go to nursery school students, the other half with make their way to children displaced by Hurricane Katrina this year, Ms. McElroy added.

