Operation Ship a Bear

Children helping children to help children. 

Operation Ship-A-Bear is a charitable organization created by a 17-year-old, Justin Gutierrez,  hoping to give children in crisis the gift of a soft and cuddly friend to hold tight accompanied by a message of good wishes and friendship written by a school-age student.

This remarkable effort is taking off in unexpected ways. Justin came up with this idea, drew the logo, then showed his Mom and God-Mother Seema Boesky his dream, and with her help and Seema’s cheerleading, it launched two weeks later. That was 3+ weeks ago ….

Forming Connections all around the world and in whatever language is spoken, children understand a loving gesture from another child.  Words of friendship and hope can make an awful and scary day feel a little better. 

All around the world and in whatever language is spoken, children understand a loving gesture from another child. Words of friendship and hope can make an awful and scary day feel a little better.

School-age students learn their messages can have a positive impact on the life of another child. One short note of hope might result in a new and better day for their pen pal and new friendships can be formed.

So far there has been one shipment sent, the second ready to go to Poland and Ukraine’s children who have been dislocated from their homes, family members, and Country! American children are writing note cards, Ukrainian children in the US are translating from English into Ukrainian on note cards, these are attached to a cuddly teddy bear, gift wrapped with yellow and blue ribbon, then given to young children. The notes are vetted to insure they offer prayers, friendship, and a positive connection to other children in the world.

The first shipment was sent, teachers in Poland plan to capture kids’ reactions on video and forward them to us. This bonding with American children to kids in wartime who have lost everything is so critical for futures with hope.

So far, they have reached out only to friends, with surprising results. They’ve been forwarding to others, so Operation Teddy Bear has money for more bears, Home Depot donated packaging for free, bear manufacturers are cutting costs making them affordable, another offered wholesale shipping, it’s been amazing. This inspiring story is rare in news today. A meaningful way to show these children and others half a world away from care, people care and show it.

For more info about this wonderful charity and how you can get involved check out their website.