BearHUGS Campaign Announced

New BearHUGS Campaign to Support Grieving Children

Ted E. Bear Hollow begins new awareness campaign

November 10, 2008 (Omaha, Neb.) - Once you see the miniature "play funeral" pieces in the Little Ones room, you realize you have come to a special and unique place. Using the little casket and headstones as props, a loving volunteer facilitator can explain to a four-year-old why they couldn't see Grandma's legs during the service. "No, they didn't remove her legs honey," the adult says, "they are just right under this flap, see?" It's just a normal day at Ted E. Bear Hollow, where a confused and grieving child can find answers and a safe place to cry, be angry, or just talk about what has happened.

Ted E. Bear Hollow has been around since 2001, when a group of caring professionals realized the needs of grieving children were not being met. Since then, the non-profit organization has worked with thousands of children and teenagers, helping them through personal crisis - like the loss of a parent, or through very public ones - like the Von Maur shootings just one year ago. Children aged three through eighteen take part in day camps, support groups, and teen retreats - all at no charge.

Now, Ted E. Bear Hollow is launching a new support and awareness campaign called BearHUGS (Help Us Give Support). The campaign will increase donor support and raise community awareness. Through BearHUGS, the entire community can participate in the process of helping grieving children through difficult circumstances.

Sadly, the Omaha/Council Bluffs area is already too familiar with community tragedy, but grief touches families every day. One in five children will experience the death of a family member. Statistics show that those children with unresolved grief are far more likely to commit crimes, abuse substances, or experience a teen pregnancy.

By generating community support for the financial needs of Ted E. Bear Hollow programs, the BearHUGS campaign will help volunteers as they continue to change the lives of grieving children every day. With help, Ted E. Bear Hollow will continue expanding to meet the growing need for services to support grieving families.

For more information on becoming a part of the BearHUGS program, please click on "Support Us."