About Bear Hugs for Babies
How you can help | Memorial Contributions | Kody's Wish List
Mission Statement
Founded in April 2001, Bear Hugs For Babies, Inc. is a non-profit charity made up of local volunteers from various communities dedicated to helping God's newborn angels affected by homelessness, extreme poverty and/or disease, get the necessary essentials that will help give them a warm start in this world.
History
Bear Hugs For Babies Inc. was started by Philip W. Brown on April 15, 2001 with
the mission to help newborn babies in need get the items to help
them feel safe and secure. Since its inception, Bear Hugs for Babies,
Inc. has given hundreds of newborn babies baskets of love. Baskets
of Love are large laundry baskets filled with home made and store bought
items
necessary to get them started in life. Education literature—and
of course a teddy bear—is placed in each basket. We feel that it is very
important
that the infant is read to before and after birth and with this
in mind, a book is placed in each basket that can be read to the new life.
Bear Hugs For Babies works on a referral system which verifies the state of need the newborn is in. Case mangers from hospitals, shelters and other social services call and refer a newborn infant. The Basket of Love is carefully put together to meet the needs of the baby. The basket of items is delivered to the family or guardian of the infant at the hospital or agency. For many, it is a time of joy and tears. These tiny tots come from all walks of life and situations. The families and guardians of the infants are as diverse as the infants. Some are families that have hit hard times because of job loss or lack of health insurance. Others are single moms and dads struggling to make ends meet or mothers trying to finish their education so they can better support their families. Also, grandparents, aunts and uncles on fixed incomes may find themselves raising a family member's newborn. It's not how they got here that concerns us. It's where they go from here that we try to make their path a little easier.
How you can help
The public can participate in this mission a variety of ways:
Monetary donations allow the charity to purchase the items needed to pursue its mission.
An individual or group can sponsor a basket for a donation of $100.00. The individual or groups name can be attached to the basket.
Get a group of friends, relatives, co-workers or classmates together. Plan a party and have each guest bring a baby item or monetary gift that can be donated to Bear Hugs For Babies. It can be a baby shower, theme party, birthday or an old fashion get together. The more creative you are, the more fun the party will be! When planning your party, let Bear Hugs For Babies supply the host with an updated needs list, which can be passed out to the entire guest list. The host can also use Kody's Wish List as a guide for donations. Children, ladies and men's groups have gotten together and made a wonderful difference in the lives of many newborn babies. Each group will receive an official Kody's Cubs Club certificate.
Memorial Contributions
When you remember someone special or honor a lost loved one with a memorial, you can have your donation recognized with a certificate including the loved one's name. You will receive an email recognizing your memorial donation as well as a printed certificate with your memorial contribution.
Kody O'Bear
Kody O'Bear is the 6 feet, fuzzy teddy bear that is the official mascot for Bear Hugs For Babies. Kody makes special appearances at fundraising activities, speaking engagements, parades and youth events, to further the awareness of the Bear Hugs For Babies mission. You can't miss Kody, in his jazzy vest and green glasses. He is always ready to struck his stuff and give out free hugs!
Learn more about Kody's Kid Fun Network @ www.kodyobear.com
Kody's Wish List
Bear Hugs For Babies relies on and accepts donations of the following goods and products:
- Size one disposable diapers
- Baby wipes
- Newborn clothing (non gender colors, white, orange, yellow, green, red)
- Onesies for newborns and preemies
- Hats and booties (newborn size)
- Infant socks
- Bottles and bibs
- Receiving Blankets and layettes
- Pacifiers (newborn size)
- Diaper bags
- Gently used clothing
- New Car seats and strollers
- Nursery furnishings
- Gas Cards for Delivery Van
