Looking for a way to talk with your children about the kids in the world who have less than they do? I briefly mentioned this project the other day after reading Erin's post about it, but I wanted to make sure you all didn't forget about the special Build A Bear project on Saturday, May 19th. If you are one of the first 200 customers at your local Build-A-Bear store next Saturday, you will be able to make a bear for an orphan for free.

The bears will be donated to the Joint Council of international Children's Services. The Joint Council will deliver the bears to domestic and international adoption agencies, group homes for children and child welfare advocacy organizations. These agencies will make sure that the bears get to the children in need. And as a bonus, if you build a bear for an orphan you'll get a $5 coupon good towards another bear of your choice.

Adoption.com is one of the organizations partnering with Build-A-Bear. I confess that I have never been to Build-A-Bear, mostly because I am a horrid cheapskate. (Well, that and the fact that my kids already have lots of teddy bears!) But I know my kids would enjoy the process of making a bear, and I would really appreciate know that the new bear would benefit a child in need instead of adding one more bear to the heap of stuffed animals at our house. We may just head down to Build-A-Bear next Saturday to make a few bears for kids who really need something to cuddle!

If you'd like to find out if there is a Build-A-Bear store in your area, check out this list of locations. Be sure to check out when your store opens. Only the first 200 visitors in each store on the 19th will be able to make a bear for free.