Soroptimist Host Bear Hugs for Babies

Representatives from Bear Hugs for Babies, Inc. spoke to members of Soroptimist International of Seaford at a November meeting. The mission of this organization is to help 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.

Bear Hugs provides parents or guardians with a large gift basket which includes items such as baby blankets, bottles, wipes, shampoo, and powders. Volunteers also provide homemade booties and quilts, according to Philip Brown of Bear Hugs.
Bear Hugs has been covering all of Southern Delaware for the past seven years, according to Brown. Assistance has been provided to families or guardians of infants at Beebe Medical Center, Nanticoke, Bayhealth, Georgetown Crisis Center, Delaware Adolescent Program, Georgetown Wellness Center and the Department of Health, in addition to other hospitals, local organizations and churches.

Since its inception, Bear Hugs has provided assistance for 1150 newborns, 236 in this past year. Brown said another 15 are on the waiting list.

Bear Hugs needs the support of the community to maintain this level of assistance. How can you help? Bear Hugs accepts donations of the following goods and products (all items should be infant size 0-3 months):

• Size one disposable diapers
• Baby wipes
• Infant clothing (non-gender colors-white, orange, yellow, green, red)
• Onesies for newborns and preemies
• Hats and booties
• Infanct socks
• Bottles and bibs
• Receiving blankets and layettes
• Pacifiers
• Diaper bags
• Gently used clothing
• New car seats and strollers
• Gas cards for delivery vans

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 $70.00. The individual or group’s name can be attached to the basket.

Bear Hugs also goes into preschools and elementary schools and reads books to the children in order to promote the organization. Kody O’Bear is the six feet, fuzzy teddy bear that is the official ambassador for Bear Hugs for Babies, according to Brown.

For more information or to donate online, log onto www.bearhugsforbabies.org.