Minot, ND – HIA Hospice is extending a heartfelt service to families coping with loss through its new Celebration Bear program. Volunteers at the hospice take fabric donated by families—such as corduroy, fleece, flannel, sweatshirts, terry cloth, or 100% cotton—and hand‑craft up to two bears per patient for up to 13 months after the loved one’s passing.
How the program works
Families who have lost a loved one under HIA Hospice’s care can request a Celebration Bear by calling the volunteer coordinator at (800) 237‑4629 or emailing [email protected]. The hospice asks for a half‑yard of usable fabric, which can come from a favorite shirt, blanket, or any piece of clothing that holds personal significance.
Once the fabric is received, volunteers stitch and stuff the material into a soft, cuddly bear. Each bear is unique, reflecting the colors and textures of the original clothing, and serves as a lasting tribute to the departed.
Founder’s vision
Megan Hagel, the founder of the Celebration Bear Project, says the initiative is meant to bring comfort and inspire meaningful stories among bereaved families. “When a family holds a bear made from a beloved sweater or shirt, it becomes a tangible reminder of the love they shared,” Hagel explained. “We hope these bears help families cherish the memories and find a small measure of peace during a difficult time.”
Community involvement
The program relies entirely on local volunteers who donate their time and sewing skills. HIA Hospice has called on the broader Minot community to support the effort, whether by contributing fabric, offering sewing assistance, or simply spreading the word to families who might benefit.
Local churches, civic groups, and businesses have already expressed enthusiasm for the project, seeing it as a way to embody the city’s strong family values and Christian compassion. The hospice’s volunteer coordinator notes that the response has been “overwhelmingly positive,” with many families reporting that the bears have become cherished keepsakes displayed in homes and car seats.
How to participate
Families interested in receiving a Celebration Bear should contact the hospice volunteer coordinator at (800) 237‑4629 or email [email protected]. The hospice also welcomes donations of fabric and volunteers who can help with cutting, stitching, and stuffing the bears.
HIA Hospice encourages anyone in the Minot area who wishes to support grieving families to get involved. By turning cherished clothing into a comforting keepsake, the Celebration Bear program underscores the hospice’s commitment to compassionate, faith‑based care for the community.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
