After a meet and greet with Cody Simpson to kick off the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation Toy Drive, I was invited to build-a-bear also to donate for the Toys for Tots box.

I was excited to make a bear to donate. Or at least that was the plan.

Please Note: I was invited as media to event and make a bear to donate. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

As things went, my son took over my process of building the bear and totally left me out of the fun. Since it was for a good cause, I allowed him to take the lead. It's good when kids do something that they know will help another child feel better right?.

And so my son picked out a bear from the "bear donation" box and got to work. He helped stuff it, filled it with heart and loving fluffed it.


When it was time to dress the bear things really got interesting. My son had lots of outfits to chose from including a selection of super heroes. What did he chose? Dark Vader! I don't know why! Maybe the force spoke to him?!

Anyway, I tried REALLY hard to change his mind to something more fun like the Spider Man outfit or even Toy Story, but no, he was firm on what he wanted the bear to wear.

And so....we donated a bear wearing a Dark Vader outfit.

Despite his choice in the bears outfit, I was really proud of my son as I watched him drop off our bear for donation. A child somewhere will receive my son's gift and be happy this holiday.

Cody Simpson & Build-A-Bear Workshop Toys for Tots

Build-A-Bear Workshop had a special meet and greet with Cody Simpson, who was at the store to help kick-off this year’s annual Marine Toys for Tots Foundation Toy Drive.

Starting in October, Cody will participate in the Build-A-Bear Workshop’s efforts for Stop Cyber Bullying month and will help launch the national Stuffed with Hugs program.

This event kicks off the national “Stuffed with Hugs™” weekend, taking place across the country October 20 and 21.

During this weekend, more than 25,000 furry friends will be made and donated to less fortunate children through local U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots programs.

Build-A-Bear Workshop® is inviting the first 100 Guests in all of its U.S. stores to help make the stuffed animals for free to give to children in need of an extra teddy bear hug this holiday season.

This weekend is also special since it's the celebration of the 15th birthday of Build-A-Bear Workshop!

Guests will be able to meet Build-A-Bear Workshop mascot, Bearemy, and enjoy a variety of 15th birthday celebration activities in conjunction with making furry friends for free to donate to Toys for Tots.

As a thank you for helping, Stuffed with Hugs participants will also receive a coupon for $3 off their own furry friend.

To learn more visit - www.buildabear.com