Gun Found in Teddy Bear Donated at New York Church; 'Could've Been A Terrible Disaster' Mother Says

One child received a particularly unique holiday surprise when opening up presents on Christmas morning: a teddy bear with a real live handgun. An 8-year-old girl in Harlem reportedly found out her stuffed animal came with the unusual accessory of a firearm when unwrapping presents, The New York Post reported.

"Oh wow!" the young girl, Natasha Brunson, said, waving around the gun to show everyone. Luckily, the gun was inoperable, according to the Post.

"This is something you never expect on Christmas," said her foster mom, Sheeba Anderson.

"I feel like we narrowly avoided what could have been a terrible disaster. I couldn't calm down all day."

Anderson had picked up two bags of pre-wrapped presents for her six foster children at St. Anthony's Church in SoHo. When the gifts were handed out Christmas Day, Natasha reached inside to grab a baby bear and felt something hard, but assumed it was just a plastic stand.

"I thought they were really pretty," Natasha said. "So I was squeezing the bears and just starting to play with it."

"But then I reached in and took out a gun," she said. "I thought it was another toy that fell inside the box."

According to Anderson, she was watching another child open a gift when she spotted Natasha holding the pistol.

"I heard her say, 'Look, Miss Sheeba, I found a gun!' She was waving it around and playing with it," the Post reported.

Police say the gun's serial numbers had been scratched off and the firing pin was removed. Authorities are still trying to determine the make and model of the gun and are currently investigating just how it was donated to the church. The gifts came from a nonprofit that has a contract with the Administration for Children's Services, unnamed sources said to the Post.

"I treat these kids as if they are my own. I also expect ACS to feel the same way," Anderson said.

"This is the last thing I would have expected. Security has to be improved. These are anonymous donations. They could have come from anywhere and anyone."

According to Softpedia, ACS is currently investigating Anderson as well, as the gun was found in her residence, a foster home.

"We are concerned when any potential risk in a foster home comes to our attention, and are working to ensure that all of the children in the home remain safe," agency representatives stated.