One Bear, One Hug,
From One Kid to Another
Baltimore, MD
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Hello, My name is Lucie... I was 10 Years old when I started...
In December 2008 I received a gift card for the Build-A-Bear Workshop from the principal of my younger brother's pre-school. It had three words on it: "For Good Use." Earlier that month my mom and I were going through my old toys 
and dolls that I no longer played with. My mom gave me three choices: Throw them away, give them away or sell them. I decided to give the dolls to my little brother's pre-school class to use at play time. This school is special to me since it's where I went when we first moved to Maryland from Tournai in Belgium. They took me in even though I didn't speak any English at the time! The gift card was a "Thank you" from the school for my gift.
I didn't expect anything and was confused by the three words, "For Good Use." So I thought and thought about those words and decided on a "good use" for the gift card. I decided to use it to make bears for less fortunate children. With my Mom's help I found sponsors who would match the numbers of bears I would make. So, with my allowance, gift card and with the help of my brother Julien, Mom, Dad and Ms. Janeen's great knowledge about Build a Bear I built my first 18 bears and bought 5 board games. I spoke to the Manager of Build a Bear in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Miss Jessica, Manager of Towson Town Center Build-A-Bear in Maryland and received an additional donation of coloring books, placemats and stickers.
I decided that year for Christmas I wasn't just making bears but giving a big hug from one kid to another - A little smile for kids who are as brave as our war heroes. I donated the bears I made to children staying at The Ronald McDonald House. On December 22, I dropped off my bears and gifts to the Ronald McDonald House and I was really happy to meet the little girl who was getting the first one. Kathryn changed me, she's my little Hero and more than ever I am determined to make my Christmas story go on. I will NOT STOP... For Kathryn and all the others. Like my mom says, "Those little ones are going through way more than most of us could ever imagine. They are Lucie's heroes, braver than most of us will ever be."
Love,
Lucie
Baltimore, MD
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