A Teddy Bear’s Journey of Hope

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09.16.25

On average, we provide more than 35,000 plush toys every year. Since 1998, we have distributed over 700,000 stuffed animals to more than 21 states and 35 countries.

A Simple Gift that Changes Everything

At Gleaning For The World, we are constantly reminded of how something as small as a stuffed animal can bring comfort in the hardest of times. Recently, one donor said it best:

“Thank you so much for giving new value and purpose to our once loved stuffies. We thank you for pouring out to others and sharing joy and goodness. May the stuffies we are giving today bless someone with happiness and peace.”

These heartfelt words capture exactly why our Teddy Bear Brigade touches so many hearts.

The Story Behind the Teddy Bear Brigade

Since our earliest days nearly 27 years ago, new and gently loved stuffed animals have been part of our humanitarian aid inventory. We affectionately call them “plushies,” and what an impact they continue to make.

This month, our nation celebrates National Teddy Bear Day. The story of this holiday goes back to 1902, when President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear on a hunting trip in Mississippi. In honor of that moment, a Brooklyn candy store owner, Morris Michtom, and his wife Rose, created the very first “Teddy’s Bear.”

At Gleaning, we celebrate National Teddy Bear Day every day as we work to maintain our extensive inventory of plushies. Large and small packages arrive nearly every day keeping our staff and volunteers busy sorting and packing, inventorying, oohing and ahhing (because some of these stuffies are just so cute!).

The Teddy Bear Brigade in Action

Meeting Needs in Times of Crisis

The reach of our Teddy Bear Brigade continues to expand with dozens of requests from across the United States. Hospitals, clinics, first responders, and social workers are all seeking plushies to help children in difficult circumstances. Here are just a few of the requests that have come to our attention:

“Our child advocacy center responds to child abuse. Children come to our center when there are allegations of abuse that require a forensic interview, medical exam and mental health services at no cost to the family. We give every child that comes to our center a comfort item to take home. We are looking for plushies for the children we serve.”

“I work at a medical hospital. We are doing a health fair. I would love to see if it is possible to get new teddy bears for our children. They learn how to stay healthy, and that being inside a hospital is not a scary thing.”

“I work for a US-based technology nonprofit that provides technology free of charge to law enforcement in all 50 states and 106 countries around the world. With the help of our tools, law enforcement is able to identify, apprehend and arrest child sexual predators. They rescue children. We also create care packages to give to law enforcement to help provide a sense of comfort to children rescued from abuse and exploitation. These care packages come with a stuffed animal, blanket and coloring book with crayons. I’m hoping to be able to partner through your Teddy Bear Brigade. Thank you for your commitment to helping children in hardship.”

“My husband is a paramedic, and his service station gave away their last stuffed animal this week. Does your organization provide stuffed animals to first responders?”

“I am asking on behalf of survivors of sexual violence who arrive at the emergency department for a forensic examination. Teddy bears offer comfort, a conversation starter, and are used as a grounding tool during the invasive examination. Please let me know how I can formally request a donation to our agency.”

Each of these stories reflects the power of a simple plush toy. Thanks to your generosity, we are able to provide comfort and emotional support to children and families facing some of life’s toughest challenges here at home and around the world.

700,000 Plushies and Counting

You might be surprised to learn that over nearly three decades, we have distributed more than 700,000 stuffed animals through the Teddy Bear Brigade. These are not just toys being re-homed. Each plushie represents love, comfort, and hope, delivered one hug at a time.

Your ongoing support makes this possible. Every gift helps us place a symbol of care into the arms of a child who desperately needs it. Together, we are proving that a simple gift really can change everything.

Click here to learn more about donating or getting involved with the Teddy Bear Brigade.

In service and partnership,

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