Teddy Bear s
that Soothe in
Troubled Times
B Y R E N E E B R I N C K S
I
n times of illness, accident or natural disas-
ter, small acts of kindness can make a big
difference.
Susie Hanson knows this firsthand. Since
founding Teddy Bears with Heart in 2008, she's
generated more than 140,000 distinct compas-
sionate acts, by delivering free stuffed animals to
individuals in need. Recipients include children
rescued by firefighters, elderly residents with-
out local family members, youngsters served
by international aid missions and local patients
undergoing major medical treatments.
"We provide teddy bears and stuffed animals
to individuals of all ages. It's something familiar
and comforting that you can hug and hold, and
it brings a kind of companionship during scary
times," says Hanson.
The Monterey County nonprofit, under the
Good Bears of the World umbrella, distributes
plush toys through more than 175 agencies and
seven regional hospitals in a six-county area.
Hanson pays close attention to the needs of
each agency: fire crews get small bears that
tuck easily into a truck full of equipment, while
hospitals receive larger stuffed animals free of
choking hazards.
Engaged partners with an ongoing need keep
Hanson and her dedicated volunteers busy
throughout the year.
"Wherever comfort is needed, that's where
we try to help," she says.
To volunteer with or donate to Teddy Bears with
Heart, please visit www.teddybearswithheart.org.
SHORTCUTS
GIVING BACK
Nonprofit Teddy Bears with Heart was founded in Monterey County by Susie
Hanson and provides comforting stuffed animals to hospitals and fire crews.
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