Why the Teddy Bear Project?

Trying on hats @ the nursing home when I was 7. 

Many people don't know the story behind the Teddy Bear Project. So I want to take a second to share it with everyone.

Growing up I use to visit the nursing home with my dad and our beloved dog Gracie. I was little so I don't remember to much. All I know is I really enjoyed visiting the folks especially Marget. She was one of the people who I became somewhat close too. After visit for a couple years the nursing home closed down.

So we stopped going for a while. Back in 2009 we started going again. Gracie had passed away and we had our puppy Stacey Mae. Stacey was just a little over 11 months old when she first visited. Stacey is a very mellow dog and really good with people.

The first people I had visited was Gene and Ruby. They were married for over 60 years. Gene was almost 100 years old. He talked softly but can remember a lot of things from his life. He would share stories about living in Colorado and pets he had in the past. He really enjoyed getting visits from Stacey Mae. She really helped brighten their day some.

Ruby "Rolling Ruby" Gene's wife. 

The first time I visited Gene he grabbed my hand and cuffed his other hand around it and looked into my eyes and said "Thank You". I never thought those two words would change my life.

When Gene passed away my heart was broken and I must say it still is. Everyone I visit I form some kind of bond with them. One thing I miss the most about Gene was the way his face lit up when ever he smiled.

One night I was thinking about what I wanted to do for the folks in the nursing home for the holidays. Many of the folks there are forgotten about and have no one to visit them. I wanted to do something that let them know there are still people out there who care about them. Even if they are strangers.

Ken and his bear Sr. Samuel. 

As I was thinking about this I thought of Gene and how he would hold my hand and look into my eyes and say "Thank You". He knew there were other people out there who cared about him. So I started the first Teddy Bear Project in Honor of Gene. We did our first collection for the folks in the nursing home and expanded it to the Children in the Hospital.

As of today I have collected over 2,000 teddy bears and stuffed animals for the kids in the Hospital and folks in the nursing home. It's all thanks to everyone for helping me and Gene for inspiring me. God Bless you Gene. I miss you very much.

 Maria