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NCNW's Dayton Section Donates Over 900 Teddy Bears to Children's Services
The organization nearly doubled its goal of 500 bears this year, bringing comfort and joy to children in the foster care system.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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The National Council of Negro Women's Dayton Section donated 954 teddy bears to Montgomery Children Services, far exceeding their goal of 500 bears. The teddy bears are meant to provide comfort, security, and emotional support for children in the foster care system during uncertain times.
Why it matters
This annual teddy bear donation is a long-standing tradition for the NCNW's Dayton Section, dating back over 20 years. The gesture is seen as a heartwarming way to let children in the foster care system know they are cared for and loved during difficult transitions.
The details
Since 2003, the NCNW's Dayton Section has donated hundreds of teddy bears to Montgomery Children Services to support children in foster care. This year, they nearly doubled their goal of 500 bears, donating a total of 954 bears. The teddy bears are meant to provide comfort, security, and emotional support for children who may be experiencing anxiety and uncertainty when entering the foster care system.
- The teddy bear donation took place on February 13, 2026.
The players
NCNW's Dayton Section
The Dayton, Ohio chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, a non-profit organization focused on empowering Black women and their communities.
Montgomery Children Services
The child welfare agency in Montgomery County, Ohio that provides services and support for children in the foster care system.
Donna Kuykendall
The 2026 teddy bear roundup chair for the NCNW's Dayton Section.
Judy Dodge
A Montgomery County Commissioner.
Mary McDonald
A Montgomery County Commissioner who was previously a foster parent.
What they’re saying
“Teddy bears symbolize comfort, security, emotional support for children and really help ease the anxiety of uncertain times.”
— Donna Kuykendall, 2026 teddy bear roundup chair, NCNW's Dayton Section (dayton247now.com)
“To touch these children's lives and to know the fear and the anxiety children have when they come into the care of children services, many of their lives are completely uprooted.”
— Mary McDonald, Montgomery County Commissioner (dayton247now.com)
“Just think when a child comes into this area and is perhaps not knowing where they're gonna go next and they have something they can grab onto and hug and love.”
— Judy Dodge, Montgomery County Commissioner (dayton247now.com)
The takeaway
This annual teddy bear donation by the NCNW's Dayton Section demonstrates the power of community organizations to provide comfort and support to vulnerable children in the foster care system. The gesture reflects the group's longstanding commitment to empowering Black women and families in the Dayton area.
