It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of the Bears of Hope Founder, Carolyn Reiner. She left us peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones. Carolyn was a wonderful mother, and friend who touched the lives of many with her kindness and warmth. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in our hearts.
What We Did!
Bears of Hope mades handmade fabric bears for children and adults facing a difficult life challenge.
The bears give them comfort, hope and are there to hug, hold, cuddle, or talk to whenever they feel sick, sad, hurt, or lonely.
Bears of Hope were not mass produced. Each one was lovingly made by volunteers. No two bears were made with the same fabric design. Which made each bear unique, just like the bear's recipient.
Who Got Bears?
Bears were freely given to metropolitan Chicago social service agencies for children and adults:
Children with life-threatening illnesses.
Babies born with terminal birth defects
Abused women and children.
Terminally ill and dying adults, children and veterans.
Children hurt and in-trauma from fire, accidents or criminal activity.
