Every year, The Volunteer Center, in Torrance, runs a program called “Operation Teddy Bear.” This literacy program provides school bags filled with educational materials to thousands of first graders in underprivileged schools around the South Bay Area. Crayons, activity books, magazines, and educational flashcards are completely funded by donations from individuals, companies, and foundations.

Volunteers gather at local schools with bags filled with the goodies mentioned above, including a cute plush teddy bear. Some of these volunteers spend time reading a story  titled “Teddy Bear Times,” to the children, which is a story that discusses topics such as kindness, compassion, volunteering, and identifying emotions. Each year, QuinStar donates and volunteers in helping prepare these bags for delivery and we are happy to be a part of such a wonderful cause!