Bears For Humanity

Christmas just got a little more loving for 400 children and families in Charleston thanks to local toy store Wonder Works and Bears for Humanity, a California company that makes organic materials and has a mission to do good with the sale of every bear by donating one to a child in need with each purchase. But with its donation of 400 bears to Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, which underwent a horrific attack earlier this year, it just took giving to a whole new level.
“We wanted to send a message of love and hope from California to these children and their families who suffered such a violent tragedy,” said Bears For Humanity co-founder Vijay Prathap. “Children should not know the face of this kind of horror. We wanted them to know we love them and want to lift them up,”
Last week 400 Bears were delivered to the church by Christine Osborne, owner of West Ashley specialty toy store Wonder Works. Osborne teamed with Liz Alston, a member of the church for more than 40 years and church historian, and a revered community leader, to get the bears into the children’s arms. According to Alston, some will also be donated to the MUSC Children’s Hospital.
“A teddy bear is kind of like a security blanket, and can really provide comfort to a child who is scared or upset,” Alston said. “I could not be more pleased that this wonderful company has shared its special bears with the children in our community. They are a company with a very big heart.”
Children in the Charleston community also wrote “Letters of Hope” at Wonder Works that will be given to each child along with the bear. Osborne said the season of giving during the holidays is the perfect time to offer such a caring and generous gift to the families of AME Church.
“We know and love these children in our community and are excited to be able to be a part of getting these teddy bears to these kids who will really appreciate such a special gift,” said Osborne.
When purchased from the Bears For Humanity website, purchasers pick one of six charities to receive the same bear to be given to a child in need. When Charlestonians buy a bear from Wonder Works or on www.WonderWorksToys.com a bear is donated to MUSC Children’s Hospital, its local charity partner.