I-Team

A Bear's Tale: Special Delivery

MIAMI (CBS4) ― Amid the resignation of DCF's top boss, Bob Butterworth, and budget cuts that affect abused and neglected children in State care, CBS4's Michele Gillen says the Adopt-a-Bear campaign is not only off and running, but because of caring television viewers, a special delivery has been made.

Not even a bumpy ride in cargo could stop this flurry of furry friends from making their way to Miami. These bears are popping up all over because they've been adopted by scores of South Floridians, with kids leading the way. Young bear ambassadors like 10-year-old Samantha are determined to get these bears back into the arms of abused and abandoned children.

According to Judge Cindy Lederman, the Chief Justice of Juvenile Court, the budget for their beloved bears had been cut, by the State, in haste.

So when word got out that the bears had arrived, none of the judges could wait inside.

"It's amazing. We have never seen anything like this before, quite frankly," said Lederman.

This is a courthouse where many young tears are shed, and even wise hearts are broken. But not this day.

A red carpet unfurled, and pulling with all their might, a brigade of bear ambassadors made a special delivery to the justices. Wagons and baskets and hope overflowed, our heroes may be little, but they rescued the missing bears.

It was a magical pandemonium as the children crisscrossed the courthouse, tenderly stocking shelves, just thinking of the children who needed these bears.

"We give them to the judges so they can give them to the kids, so the bears are like brothers and sisters to the kids," said 9-year-old Max.

"I am just thrilled, because some of us that do this work wonder if the public really cares about these children. You have taught me that children do, that the public does care about these children," said Lederman.

To Judge Mindy Glazer, the bear brigade came just in time. When the children delivered the bears, she needed three immediately. A little girl's hand reached out for a newfound friend. Most of these children who visit here don't have toys, or books, or family at home.

"They go from place to place with possessions in a paper bag," said Lederman. "Our children need the comfort of a teddy bear. Our children are frightened and afraid and have been through so much, things that the children who are giving these bears can't imagine, thankfully."

Yet the hearts of the visiting children were filled with such compassion.

"I can't imagine what they are thinking then they are walking into the courtroom," said 13-year-old Sandy, "It must be really scary."

All the more reason Sandy hopes, "We will fundraise a lot of money!"

Of course the judges will tell you that what the "bear ambassadors" delivered this day can't be appraised in dollars.

Ten-year-old Alexander said, "I feel so great putting a bear on that shelf so other kids will be able to get a little friend so they won't feel so alone."

Indeed, on behalf of all the children who have adopted, the bear brigade left a fingerprint in more ways than one.

"I think that kids that need one of these bears to cheer [them up] will get them!" said 8-year-old Alex.

For Judge Lederman, when she and her colleagues now reach for a bear, the image will be filled with hope.

"We will be thinking that this isn't just from the court. This is from the children in the community, this is so much more meaningful, so much more meaningful than ever before," she said.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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