When nine-year-old,Sydney Fredette lost her best friend, Savannah Sachen, to a rare cancer of the heart in 2007, she did more than grieve. Over the coarse of an illness that lasted for over three years, Savannah's empathy and caring for others only increased as she got sicker. Sydney knew that the caring shouldn't end when her friend died.

"She was one of my best friends and I was really sad that she died from cancer, and I just wanted to do something that she would want me to do," explained Sydney.

That's how the Build-A-Bear donation program got started.

She had lot of Build-A-Bears (from the stores by the same name found in many malls) and decided she could give some away. And, while she was at it, she figured some of her friends and other kids might be willing to donate bear or two, as well.

Sydney set a goal of collecting 25 new or gently used bears, she ended up with 30 bears.

What makes this a unique project is that Sydney and her friends get to participate in the distribution of the bears to the families and kids. It's not just a case of dropping off the items at a charity for later distribution. Sydney and her friends actually help distribute the toys to the needy families.

In 2008, a goal of 50 bears was set and with the help of a local Girl Scout Troop, they were able to surpass that goal and then some. With 160 bears collected, so many kids and their families had a holiday to remember.

2009, we collected over 200 bears that were distributed to kids through Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach again as well as the Costa Mesa charity, Illuminations Foundation.

This year the bears will be distributed over the weekend of Dec. 10th -12th, through the Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach again as well as the charity, Focus OC. It will be a weekend to remember, not just for those donating but especialy for those receiving a wonderful gift this holiday season.

Don't forget, sharing one bear can make a difference.

Thanks for Sharing.