PPV’s Beary Special Build-A-Bear Experience for Children with Vision Loss

Torrance, California – October 11, 2026

Smiles, laughter, and excitement filled the air at the Build-A-Bear Workshop at Del Amo Fashion Center as children with vision loss, their families and volunteer peer buddies came together to share the fun of making bears, monkeys, and cats. Vistas for Children, Inc. generously sponsors the workshop making it possible for every child to create and take home a customized animal.

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The store opens two hours early allowing for a quieter experience that is less overwhelming for our children with visual impairment. Families had time to meet one another, snap photos, and share smiles as they celebrated their new furry friends.

This year, our wonderful volunteers from Junior Vistas, the children's philanthropy affiliated with Vistas for Children, Inc. were joined by volunteers from National Charity League, Peninsula Chapter (NCL), a mother-daughter organization and Las Amigas/Los Amigos, a family-orientated organization in the South Bay to welcome and walk our children to each of the stations.

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Upon arrival, each child was greeted by a volunteer and began by choosing an animal and head to the stuffing machine.

Together, they embarked on the full Build-A-Bear experience, stepping on the stuffing pedal to bring their new friend to life and placing a heart inside after making a special wish. The joy on each child’s face as they hugged their newly “alive” bear said it all.

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Children with vision loss and their volunteer friends then headed to the wash station, where little hands helped “bathe” their bears before picking out outfits and accessories that reflected their personalities. 

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Each bear received a birth certificate, a pair of mini glasses donated by PPV’s Parent Support Group Facilitator, Janice Goldhaber, MFT, and a tiny white cane handcrafted by PPV’s Family Specialist, Heather Dawson. PPV's Bryan was overjoyed that his cat was given a mobility cane just like his own. These heartfelt touches made each animal as unique as its creator.

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Many of our families were attending a PPV event for the first time, creating an especially meaningful opportunity to connect with others in the community. Siblings stepped in to help their brothers or sisters with visual impairments alongside volunteers, making it a true family affair.

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Events like this do more than build bears — they build confidence, joy, and community. Partners for Pediatric Vision extends heartfelt thanks to Vistas for Children, Inc. for sponsoring this event and to our peer volunteers from Junior Vistas, National Charity League Peninsula Chapter, and Las Amigas and Los Amigos for their time and support.

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With continued support from our community partners, individual donors, foundation grants and volunteers, PPV will keep creating experiences that empower children with visual impairment. Help Give the Gift of Sight and empower children with visual impairment to overcome barriers and thrive.