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This hospital is renowned for it's work in the treatment of children stricken with cancer. Although it is not located within our immediate target area, many of our kids receive treatment there every year. These children are so inspirational in their courage and attitude, yet one thing that really seems to bother them is the losing of their hair due to treatment. Therefore, every Christmas we get together 100 hats, from ball caps to knitted hats and bring them to the center for the kids. They love it and so do we!
Partners In Health (Community Bridges Program)
This fine organization works with families who are raising children with chronic health conditions, providing education, support and encouragement based on family identified needs. As we all know, the stricken children and parents are not the only family members affected by the situation. The Teddy Bear Fund is very proud that we are able to step in at the request of Partners In Health and the parents to provide support for the siblings. Often these children feel left "out of the loop" and under appreciated. We have been able to target these kids and provide "special" days and attention for them. By working directly with the parents we are able to attend to the specific needs of these children.
McKenna House (Homeless Shelter)
Although this fine organization provides shelter for adults, it does not take in children. The Teddy Bear Fund has however found a way in which we can lend a helping hand there. Often when we receive donations for our kids, we also inherit adult clothing. What better place is there for passing on these clothes? We are pleased to do so, and are perfectly willing to continue this course of action.
Concord Hospital
Throughout the year, we receive hundreds of donated stuffed animals to the point where we actually end up with a surplus for our needs. This is a wonderful thing because it allows us the opportunity to deliver bags of them to Pediatrics at Concord Hospital. The children are so grateful to have a furry companion to comfort them during their stay, and they get to take them home as well!
N.H. Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Our association with this organization is perhaps one of our proudest and most important jobs. We are very limited on what we can say here , out of necessity, but we are contacted often to provide clothing for children who are under protection from abusive situations. More often than not, these children have little more than the clothes on their backs. We are very proud that we can help these kids out and bring at least a little happiness into their lives.
Easter Seals
As everyone knows, this incredible organization is dedicated to helping children as well as adults with physical disabilities to reach their full potential. We have found that the families with special needs children oft times are faced with an overwhelming financial burden. It has been our pleasure to be invited to provide clothing and toys for the children within those families. Sometimes the disabled children have unusual clothing needs and we work especially hard to locate these items.
State of N.H. Dept. of Health and Human Services
We have seldom found a more dedicated and qualified group of workers as you will find in this Department. They are, however, a working definition of the "understaffed and under funded" organization. The Teddy Bear Fund has a working agreement with the many case workers that should they need anything for the children of their clients, they should call upon us. This was especially beneficial during the Christmas Holiday, as deadlines passed and needs were brought to their attention. We were more than pleased to help with the ever present overflow of needy kids. Fortunately, our organization is not bound by as many rules and regulations as are others. We are therefore able to catch many of the kids who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Merrimack Valley Day Care (Boscawen)
We of the Teddy Bear Fund became familiar with this non profit Day Care service facility two years ago and the children simply stole our hearts. The organization's mission statement in part states that they "are dedicated to the philosophy of providing for those with the greatest need; children at risk of abuse and neglect, low income families, and children with special needs". They also state that they wish to "collaborate with other agencies to further these efforts". This was a call to arms for us. We discovered that this is a wonderful facility with a great staff, but like most non profits, they can always use a helping hand. Along with adopting families to provide clothing and toys for, we have delivered a variety of toys, playground equipment, and art supplies and will continue to do so. For more info., you might check the "Who We Serve" section of this site.