Support Bears

Excelsior Chapter #20 started making Teddy Bears in about 1989 as part of a Grand Chapter project.  The Bears were given to Police and Fire departments for them to give to children suffering in some accident or trauma. 

Then, in 2005, we began making bears, receiving blankets and burp clothes to give to the Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency (MVNA).  They treated people who had no medical insurance, many of them young moms having babies.  In 15 years, we gave them 4,374 sets.

Began making premie caps about four years ago.  These are given to MVNA (now a part of Hennepin County Medical Center) and to Methodist Hospital.  About 700 caps have been given so far.

The Heart Program started almost three years ago.   The first use was for a baby who needed to stay in the hospital after a difficult birth. The hearts are made of flannel and were given to the new mom who would wear it under her clothing (to absorb body aroma) until she had to go home and leave her baby in the hospital. As she got ready to leave, she took the heart out and left it with baby.  Baby will recognize mom when she returns because of the aroma on the heart 

The program has expanded.  Now hearts are given to any person needing some love.  Older kids in the hospital, teens leaving for college, friends who are dying all benefit from these hearts.   It has made a difference to many people.