BEAR HUGS 2

After the success of the 2008 Bear Hugs project benefiting the Phoenix Children's Hospital, youth leader Jacob decided to make Bear Hugs an annual event. For 2009's Bear Hugs 2, we collected gently used stuffed animals in addition to donations to make new teddy bear at Build A Bear Workshop. On October 26th, for Make A Difference Day, volunteers stuffed 40 new teddy bears to add to 68 gently used stuffed animals and delivered them to the Phoenix Crisis Nursery. The nursery provides services for children in need and their families, including short and long term overnight care and temporary daytime childcare. Staff gave us a tour of the facility and taught us about the creative ways they fulfill their mission of breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect. They do incredible and important work! If you have suggestions for a charity that 2010's Bear Hugs 3 project can benefit, Jacob would love to hear from you at bearhugs2@gmail.com.