At Hospice of Hope, we have bears, too; and it seems they are not just for kids. A group of women in our Ohio service area who call themselves the "Happy Community Stitchers" has volunteered to sew and stuff as many bears as we need. Each bear comes with a "prescription" tag. It says, "When you are sad or lonely, hug me."
 

Our Bereavement Facilitators have distributed bears to staff who visit patients and families. When our nurse, nurse aide, social worker, chaplain or bereavement facilitator meets someone who is sad or lonely and in need of comfort, our staff person gives him or her a bear. Our bear recipients range in age from two to 92.

The bears have done their job! They have brought a little joy and comfort to people who are hurting in one way or another. We have begun collecting "Bear Stories" about the wonderful good work these little stuffed critters do.

Stuffed bears are universally recognized as huggable and comforting. Newspaper and magazine stories tell of police and fire personnel who have stuffed bears to give to children they deal with who are frightened and/or alone.

Three Bears at HOH Maysville Office

 
The Happy Community Stitchers

 Jeremy and two Friends