What We Do

Simply put, we give away handmade plush bears (often accompanied by bear-themed treats) to encourage others and spread joy.

Want to know more? Here’s the long version of exactly what we do to create and gift each Blessing Bear.

SEW A UNIQUE HANDMADE BEAR

First, we cut out all the parts from assorted colors of felt and fleece, then we hand stitch a nose, muzzle, and other accessories onto the front of the bear. Some bears have hearts, while others have bow ties. Some bears have bellies, too. Each one is totally one-of-a-kind. Then, we sew the front and back together and stuff the bear with equal parts Poly-Fil and love. We glue on a tail, as well as accents like hair bows and buttons. As we create, we pray over the bear and the person who will be receiving it.

NAME AND TAG THE BEAR

Each bear has its own special name, which is written on a tag attached to its ear. More than once, we’ve found out that the name means something to the bear’s owner that we could never have known! One man got a bear that shared a name with his dad and brother. Another got a bear with her daughter’s name. At the assisted living facility, we had a pair of bears we had joked were siblings. Would you believe that the woman who unknowingly chose the “sister” bear, Tonya, actually had a brother living in the same facility! So, of course we gave him the brother bear, Toby! The name connections are just one of the many fun “God-winks” we’ve seen so far.

PACK A BLESSING BOX

Once the bear is ready to be given away, we pack a box with bear-themed treats, then add our plush pal on top. We write a special Bible verse inside the box, and add a sticker with the message, “You’ve been hugged by a Blessing Bear!” Often, we also include a card for the recipient. If the person who requested the box wants to remain anonymous, we simply sign everything from the Blessing Bear Ministry. Or, if they’d like to be made known, we’ll include a note that says something like, “your granddaughter Erica wanted to send some love your way.”

SHIP OR DELIVER THE BOX

If the recipient happens to live nearby, we may make a surprise porch drop, or give it to a friend or relative to deliver personally. However, most of our boxes get dropped off at the post office, (where the employees are getting to know us very well), and sent on their way.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

In a nutshell, that’s how it works! Since we are a totally non-profit ministry, we do everything through volunteers and donations. Learn more about us, the bear makers, and how you can help us with our mission!