Fairfield University is currently collecting teddy bears and stuffed animals for its 27th annual Teddy Bears With Love Drive.

The school is asking students, alumni, employees and community members to drop off the plushies until Dec. 19.

All items will be donated to dozens of children's hospitals and charities in the state and across the country.

There is a collection drop box at the Fairfield University Store.

People can also drop off the teddy bears and stuffed animals at the alumni advent mass and photos with Santa event at 11 a.m. on Dec. 7 and at the Fairfield Shop & Stroll on Dec. 13.

On Thursday, CFO of Stepping Stones Museum Joe Romano dropped off hundreds of characters from the museum.

Romano's wife is a Fairfield alumna and his daughter is a current student.

"It's great to give back to the community. These stuffed animals go to hospitals for children. Any time you can help a child for the holidays or any time it's great. To see all those stuff animals like lined up it's great. The generosity of people around here is just phenomenal," he says.

Since the drive began, over 28,000 teddy bears and stuffed animals have been donated.