Firefighter Teddy
Police Teddy
Doctor Laying Teddy
Fire Hat Sitting Teddy
Police Waving Teddy
Doctor Laying Teddy

Our Story

The journey of bringing smiles and healthcare education to children

How It All Began

Hi, we are The Teddy Bear Clinic!

In May of 2025, the Academy of Education & Learning at MCST had the opportunity to host the inaugural Morris County Teddy Bear Clinic, an interactive community event that welcomed over 250 children.

The clinic brought together local organizations—including the Denville Police, Fire, and EMS departments, as well as hospitals in the area—to educate children and their families and connect them to community resources.

Children were invited to bring their favorite stuffed animals or teddy bears for a "check-up," allowing them to engage with community helpers in a comforting, playful, and non-threatening environment. The comforting presence of a teddy bear helps ease children's fears surrounding doctor visits, first responders, and unfamiliar environments.

The Teddy Bear Clinic aims to foster a better understanding of health, wellness, and safety in a supportive and engaging way.

Teddy Bear Clinic Team

Our Journey

2024

The Beginning: December 2024

The Teddy Bear Clinic was founded at Morris County School of Technology (MCST) as part of the Academy of Education and Learning program.

2025

First Major Event: May 2025

Our first Teddy Bear Clinic event welcomed over 250 children from across Morris County, partnering with Denville Police, Fire, EMS, and local hospitals.

2025

Growing Recognition: December 2025

We presented to superintendents and administrators across New Jersey at NJASCD about how community events redefine student success.

2026

Cone with a Cop: March 2026

On March 11th we hosted “Cone with a Cop” at Denville Dairy, where over 110 local children met eight Denville police officers over free ice cream — along with a visit from Mac, the Denville PD K-9 therapy dog.

2026

Our First Book: April 2026

Published our very first book, Teddy and the Fearless Firefighters, written and illustrated by The Academy for Education and Learning at MCST.

2026

Second Annual Clinic: May 2026

Our second annual county-wide Teddy Bear Clinic welcomed over 350 children and more than 85 student volunteers on May 2nd.

2026

Expanding Impact

We are bringing the Teddy Bear Clinic beyond Morris County, with expansion clinics planned at the University of Michigan in fall 2026 and in Middlesex County in spring 2027.

Meet Our Founders

Founders Photo

A Message From Our Founders

"Watching the Teddy Bear Clinic grow from a simple idea into such a massive community collaboration has been an incredible journey. I am so happy to see our local heroes and families come together, and I can't wait to see the positive impact this event continues to have on children's lives. We are just getting started, and I am beyond excited to see where this journey takes us next!"

"I'm so grateful to be a part of a great community initiative, bringing communities together and seeing joy light up on childrens' faces. It's amazing to see work in the classroom turn into such a strong community impact. I look forward to the growth of the Teddy Bear Clinic and what the future holds!"

- Duncan Felch & Francesca Piccolo, Co-Founders & CEOs