Bears to the Rescue!
Monday, October 10, 2011
From the far reaches of Minnesota came the call for help...The Children's Grief Connection was in need of bears, and fast.
"We were just given the honor to work with the Minnesota National Guard on their fourth annual Gold Star Retreat for military families who have had a loved one die in service to our country," wrote the director of The Children's Grief Connection, Coral Popowitz. "Do you think there is a possibility you could rally the folks at FDLIC to bring in bears for these children?"
With an extra special camp being held this year, The Children's Grief Connection was in desperate need for more bears, and we had less than a month before camp began.
Bears were ordered to supply the need. Now, all that was needed were sponsors to help pay for each bear's ticket to its final destination--the arms of a little boy or girl in Minnesota.
"FDLIC answered the call for help with an overwhelming response," said Forrest Glass, who helped coordinate the effort. "Within 24 hours, we had a sponsor for every bear, plus donations."
All in all, FDLIC sent 65 bears to Minnesota along with $1,152.00 in cash donations.
"I continue to be amazed at the level of caring from FDLIC," said Coral, "though I am not surprised at the generosity. It warms my heart to know that these kids will not lack for anything at this camp. The donations provided actually helped fill a special need. We wanted to create welcome baskets for the children...but we didn't know where the money would come from. Then, we received word about FDLIC's donation above and beyond the 65 bears. It was exactly enough to put together the baskets."
Bon voyage, bears! And keep those little ones safe and warm.