Post 2

This week, I wrote up all my questions for my meeting with the TBWH Board Members. I was very excited to meet everyone and learn more about the organization. When we (my supervisor, Mrs. Novak and I) arrived, Ms. Karen and Ms. Barbara introduced themselves and led us inside. They have been meeting at the Moose Lodge for about a year now to discuss plans, and accomplishments, and such. I got to ask my questions, and I received great, and very thorough answers.

1. Can you please tell me about your organization?
We are a part of the global organization "Good Bears of the World" and we collect and donate bears and stuffed animals to children in crisis, terminally ill, and the forgotten elderly. Susan Hansen started our organization seven years ago because she had a whole bunch of bears and recognized there were people who needed them more than her. We started by having meetings at Susie's house and bringing a bear each, every time. The five of us bagged and tagged the bears in the living room, and delivered them to the fire and police stations ourselves. We started getting volunteers and hosting bear drives and hundreds of bears began to come in. Our organization expanded to other counties. So far, we have collected 45,000 bears.

2. Why did you begin?
We began because we had an overpopulation of bears, and felt that there was a need of comfort in the community with children needing comfort in difficult situations.

3. How did you inform the community about your organization and the events you host?
We have advertisements on the radio, K Pig and K Ocean, and in the paper. Our organization has a Facebook page and a website. A large part of raising awareness of our organization is word of mouth.

4. What are some ways you collect bears?
We collect bears through bear drives, word of mouth, purchase and donations.

5. How would you suggest I promote TBWH when I collect?
You can use our pamphlets and make your own flyers and signs.

6. When are your next events?

 

7. How do you deliver your bears? Where do they go after you collect them?
Volunteers help us so much! They help deliver to the organizations we donate to.

8. How can I best help?
You can best help by planning a wonderful bear drive!

9. Do you have any suggestions about collection?
We suggest that you collect in your own community -- your block/street. Maybe place a paper bags, with a letter outside everyone's house and after a week collected the bags and donated any collected bears to TBWH. A boy scout group made Christmas decorations, sold them, and bought bears with their profits, which they donated to us.