Operation Bear Hug - Please Donate a Teddy Bear

It’s that time of year again…..time for Operation Bear Hug. Throughout the years so many people have helped us make over 1,000 children’s Christmas mornings so much brighter.

It all started sometime back in the early 1990’s when my friend Steve Parker's late wife Kelly Parker was working at Aetna and connected with the State Receiving Home (the Albert J.Solnit Children’s Center) in East Windsor, CT.

Kelly was so touched by the stories of how the Connecticut State Receiving Home took in children who had been removed from homes where their families had forgotten how to love. In many cases these children were removed from their homes with just the clothes (sometimes pajamas) on their back.

As a result, Operation Bear Hug was born. Our goal is to have 52 brand new huggable (12 inches or more please) bears sitting in 52 chairs, when the children come downstairs at the receiving home on Christmas morning.

So many people have helped us through the years. Bears have come to us from family, friends, coworkers and strangers near and far.

Thanks as always to all of Kel’s Elves (Kelly Parker’s Bear Support Group) that have helped us out in the past. Unfortunately the need is still here. Won’t you “Bear” with us? If you can help, we’d like to gather Kelly's family of bears together by Friday December 19th. 

Please consider purchasing a Teddy Bear HERE and ship it directly to:

Steve Parker's Operation Bear Hug

c/o CRN

1 Circular Ave

Hamden, CT   06514

Thank you so much for “bearing with us” and Merry Christmas!