Neighbors 4 Neighbors

A Bear's Tale - Chapter 1

Neighbors 4 Neighbors: 305-597-4404

MIAMI (CBS4) ― Tallahassee budget cuts are taking a toll on projects across the state.

But right here at home CBS4 I-Team Chief Investigative reporter Michele Gillen uncovered a gaping hole in a program that helps the most vulnerable abused children. She set about to solve the case of the missing bears.

Now they are turning up everywhere - furry friends prompting a frenzy of adoptions.

As everyone from little kid to grown up heroes are signing up and sponsoring bear adoptions.

You see, when word got out that the Chief Judge of Juvenile Courts Cindy Lederman cupboards were bare of bears, meant to bring some joy to abused and neglected children who end up so frightened in court, she was a little mad, and very sad.

She was worried about those vulnerable kids waiting to be adopted.

"Adopted," Gillen thought.

So the answer was to get other kids to be bear ambassadors and help CBS4 get everybody to rescue the soon to be missing bears by adopting them.

That's accomplished with a ten dollar donation.

There was an avalanche of support as Alper JCC Campers and families.

Bear Adoption Centers are springing up!

With so many fortunate bears joining in the effort to send a teddy and love to another child, we can barely contain our excitement.

This story will have a happy ending.

If you would like to contribute visit www.adoptabear.org

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

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