GOLETA, Calif. — In a heartfelt volunteer effort, workers at local technology firm Seek Thermal paused their usual duties to hand‑assemble a batch of 90 teddy bears for families facing a medical crisis.
“I’ve got a stuffed dog here and a lot of games, so these will go to kids that could use some stuffed animals,” said Dave Henderson, a Seek Thermal employee who helped with the project. The bears are being donated to Hearts Aligned, a nonprofit that assists Santa Barbara County families caring for critically ill children.
Company‑wide participation
Employees across departments gathered in teams, working side‑by‑side in a collaborative environment. “It’s been awesome to have our whole company here, all working together in teams. It’s been really fun,” said Jordyn Bittner, another Seek Thermal staff member.
Vivian Solodkin, founder and executive director of Hearts Aligned, expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “Hearing the stories of how much it meant to them is just wonderful. The families are going to be so delighted,” she said.
Impact on families
Each bear is assembled by hand before being shipped to the nonprofit, where it will be distributed to families throughout Santa Barbara County. The goal is to provide a small measure of comfort and reassurance during a difficult time.
“I feel very fortunate that we can help these children in need and give back to the community,” Bittner added. The project reflects a broader culture of service at Seek Thermal, where employees are encouraged to engage in local charitable initiatives.
About Hearts Aligned
Hearts Aligned focuses on supporting families with critically ill children, offering emotional, financial, and practical assistance. By partnering with local businesses like Seek Thermal, the organization expands its reach and resources, ensuring that more families receive the help they need.
This volunteer effort underscores the power of community collaboration, showing how a technology company can make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable families.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
