Church Conducting Teddy Bear Drive

It’s going to be a zoo this weekend at Encino Community Church.

For the third consecutive year, the pastor and congregation of the nondenominational church have collected teddy bears to be distributed to needy children, patients at Childrens Hospital, and nursing home residents.

Hundreds of teddy bears, of all sizes, expressions and attire, are biding their time on the church’s pews, waiting to be delivered as holiday gifts on Monday.

“I call it the teddy bear brigade,” church member Betty Jane Williams said. “You can hardly look at one without feeling really good. They are a tremendous vehicle for bringing joy.”

The tradition began several years ago when the church’s pastor, the Rev. Margie Ann, saw a similar program at the Unity School of Christianity Headquarters in Lee’s Summit, Mo.

This weekend will be the last opportunity to donate bears in time for Christmas, Williams said.

“Since we started in November, we have collected about 200 bears,” she said. “Anyone who would like to help us by adding to that number can call the church or come by on Saturday and Sunday to drop them off.”

The church, despite its name, is in Tarzana at 5955 Lindley Ave. The phone number is (818) 345-8085.