The Salvation Army of Conroe/Montgomery County will host its 39th annual Doll and Bear Tea on Dec. 7, offering more than 200 dolls and bears for sale to support local assistance programs. The long-running holiday event, open to the public, continues a tradition that began in 1986.
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On Sunday, December 7, the Salvation Army of Conroe/Montgomery County will hold its 39th annual Doll and Bear Tea. This long-running Christmas fundraiser helps kids, elders, and families all around the area.
The celebration will take place this year from 2 to 4 p.m. The celebration will be held at the home of Becky and Robert Page, which is located at 5842 Longmire Court. There will be someone at the Teaswood gate from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. to help people coming from Longmire Road via Pine Springs Drive.
Suann Hereford, chair of the Salvation Army Advisory Council and a long-time volunteer for the event, said, "We are thankful to Robert and Becky for letting us use their beautiful home for our annual event."
Anne Moore held the inaugural Doll and Bear Tea in 1986. Her daughters, Bonnie Hanley and Susie Pokorski, have been instrumental in maintaining the tradition for almost forty years. Initially, the event was a Christmas Silver Tea to recognize ladies who dressed dolls. After a few years, Lea Ann Moore proposed adding teddy bears for young boys and younger children, and the event grew.
Hereford noted that the tea today looks like "a really fun Christmas party honoring our doll and bear dressers." She said the event will feature "lots of yummy Christmas cookies and sandwiches" made by Delta Kappa Gamma and the National Charity League Monarchs, as well as Tea's famous "top secret recipe" punch.
More than 200 dolls and bears will be on exhibit and for sale. The money raised will go to Salvation Army projects in Conroe and Montgomery County. There will be about 25 things in a silent auction, and some old collectible dolls will also be for sale. Santa Claus will be there to welcome kids and guests.
According to Pokorski, the tea has become a beloved local custom. "To me, it officially starts the holiday season," she added. Hereford gave a personal story, saying that her grandma, Lois Lentz, purchased her a doll every year. She stated, "I still pick out one doll or bear every year in her memory, even though she is gone."
This will be the second year for Lieutenants Cody and Amanda Johns, who joined the Conroe Corps in 2024. Lieutenant Amanda Johns noted that the community needs significant support, with more than 3,000 youngsters and seniors already seeking assistance around the holidays.
Anyone can come to the Doll and Bear Tea for free. People who cannot come can still give through the Salvation Army's virtual tea kettle on its website.
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