ZCenter Launches Annual Teddy Bear Drive to Bring Comfort to Survivors in Crisis

The Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter) has officially launched its annual Teddy Bear Drive with a goal of collecting 1,000 new teddy bears throughout the month of February to provide comfort and support to survivors of sexual violence during some of their most vulnerable moments.
What began as a simple act of compassion has become a meaningful tradition. ZCenter advocates provide teddy bears to both children and adults in emergency rooms throughout Lake County, offering a universal symbol of safety and comfort during medical exams and crisis response. Advocates keep bears in their vehicles so they can immediately offer support when responding to hospitals and accompanying survivors through the examination process.

Time and again, staff have witnessed the powerful impact a small gesture can make. Survivors often hold tightly to the teddy bears during exams, blood draws, and difficult conversations. Many continue to carry that comfort long after leaving the hospital — bringing the bears to counseling sessions or even taking them along as they begin new chapters in their lives.

“A teddy bear may seem small, but in moments of crisis it can mean everything,” said Sandy T. Williams, CEO of ZCenter. “Our tradition of giving out teddy bears in the emergency room has had a profound impact. That simple act of comfort reminds survivors that they are safe, supported, and not alone — and that’s why this teddy bear drive matters so deeply.”

Community members can help ZCenter reach its goal by purchasing a new teddy bear and either shipping it directly or dropping it off at: ZCenter - 4275 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL 60031. Donors can also send bears directly through ZCenter’s Amazon Wish List:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3MSX8U7EB2HAH/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

Every bear collected helps ensure that when survivors arrive at the hospital, they are met not only with medical care but with compassion, comfort, and a reminder that they are not alone.
For more information, please visit www.zcenter.org.

About ZCenter
ZCenter is dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence and working to prevent abuse through advocacy, education, and community engagement. Serving Lake County and Northeastern Cook County, ZCenter provides crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, and prevention programming to individuals and families impacted by trauma.