NEW ORLEANS – Arnaud’s Restaurant announced the launch of its 12th annual Teddy Bear Program, beginning Friday, Nov. 21, in partnership with the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation (NOPJF). This holiday tradition encourages guests and community members to donate new teddy bears to help provide comfort to children in need.
From Nov. 21 through Dec. 31, Arnaud’s and collection sites throughout the city will accept donations in designated bins. At the end of the collection period, the teddy bears will be delivered to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) for officers to carry in their vehicles and distribute to children who have experienced trauma, tragedy, or victimization.
To eliminate barriers for those unable to visit a drop-off location, Arnaud’s and NOPJF now offer a secure online donation option. Monetary contributions can be made directly at www.nopjf.org/donate (select Teddy Bear Drive from the drop down menu), allowing supporters near and far to help provide teddy bears and comfort for local children in need.
“We’re honored to continue this beloved tradition with the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation and thrilled to expand the ways our community can participate,” said Arnaud’s Co-Owner Katy Casbarian. “The Teddy Bear Program has always been about comfort and compassion, and these new elements make it even easier for everyone to get involved.”
Arnaud’s will debut a special teddy bear-themed dessert for the holiday season, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Teddy Bear Program. Guests can indulge in the Black Forest Mille Feuille, featuring chocolate crémeux, tart cherry jam, Luxardo cherries, and puff pastry, while supporting a meaningful initiative that directly benefits children in need across New Orleans.
The Teddy Bear Program continues Arnaud’s longstanding commitment to fostering a compassionate, connected community. Since its inception in 2014, the program has donated more than 11,000 teddy bears. Each bear donated helps remind children facing hardship that New Orleans cares for its own.
“Arnaud’s Teddy Bear Program gives our officers a way to comfort children in their moments of greatest need,” said Melanie Talia, CEO of the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation. “These new opportunities make it even easier for the community to support this effort and help strengthen the bond between our officers and the community they serve.”
Collection bins will be placed at the following locations and accessible during normal hours of operation.
For Arnaud’s Customers:
Arnaud’s Restaurant
813 Bienville St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday – Saturday dinner
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday lunch
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sunday Jazz brunch
For General Public:
• Energy Centre, 1100 Poydras St.
• New Orleans & Company, 2020 St. Charles Ave.
• NOPJF Headquarters, 320 Metairie-Hammond Hwy, Suite 500
• NOPD Headquarters, 1615 Poydras St.
Arnaud’s Restaurant is located at 813 Bienville St. For reservations and more information, visit www.arnaudsrestaurant.com.