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More than 300 (and counting) "bears of love" have been dressed and distributed to critically or terminally ill children by members of the The Delaware Valley Chapter (based in South Jersey and the Philadelphia region).

About a dozen chapter members (plus the mother of a member) have handcrafted sweaters and scarves for the bears in hopes the stuffed animals would bring comfort or security in a time of sickness, sadness, or fear.

The project was the brainchild of Shelley Schmidt, who presented it to the chapter board for approval. The chapter adopted the project and has purchased most of the stuffed toys for its members to dress. A few members went the extra mile and brought additional animals, already dressed; other members donated money toward the purchase of the bears.

These bears have been donated to hospital emergency rooms, hospital wards, and ambulances in the Delaware Valley area with positive results.

In a thank you note, one pediatric nurse wrote, "Our pediatric patients will love them and we will enjoy their smiles as they pick out their toy. The hand of love makes beautiful little garments!"

Photo by Shelley Schmidt