GOLETA, Calif. — In a heart‑warming display of community service, employees of Seek Thermal spent a Saturday afternoon assembling 90 teddy bears for Hearts Aligned, a nonprofit that assists families in Santa Barbara County caring for critically ill children.
The volunteer effort took place at Seek Thermal’s Goleta location, where staff members worked side‑by‑side with representatives from Hearts Aligned. As each bear was completed, the nonprofit’s volunteers inspected the finished toys, preparing them for delivery to children and families who need a little extra comfort during difficult medical journeys.
“It’s a simple way for us to give back,” said a Seek Thermal employee who helped with the sewing. “Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces when they receive a bear will make all the effort worthwhile.”
Hearts Aligned, founded to provide emotional and financial support to families facing serious health challenges, relies on community partners like Seek Thermal to expand its reach. The organization distributes the bears directly to families, ensuring each child receives a soft, comforting companion during hospital stays, treatments, or recovery at home.
Local businesses have increasingly stepped up to support charitable causes in the region, and Seek Thermal’s initiative adds to a growing list of corporate‑led volunteer projects that benefit Santa Barbara County’s most vulnerable residents. By involving employees in hands‑on service, the company not only strengthens its ties to the community but also reinforces a culture of compassion and stewardship among its workforce.
The bears will be shipped to Hearts Aligned’s distribution center later this week, where the nonprofit will coordinate delivery to families throughout the county. The organization plans to continue its partnership with Seek Thermal and hopes to expand the program in future years, potentially increasing the number of bears and involving additional local businesses.
Community members who wish to support Hearts Aligned can donate directly through the nonprofit’s website or volunteer at upcoming events. The organization encourages local churches, schools, and civic groups to join the effort, emphasizing the shared responsibility of caring for children facing critical illness.
Seek Thermal’s leadership praised the volunteers for their dedication and highlighted the company’s broader commitment to community outreach. “We believe in serving the neighborhoods where our employees live and work,” said a company spokesperson. “Projects like this allow us to make a tangible difference in the lives of families who are dealing with extraordinary challenges.”
As the teddy bears make their way to the hands of children across Santa Barbara County, the collaboration between Seek Thermal and Hearts Aligned stands as a reminder that local businesses can play a vital role in uplifting families and strengthening the social fabric of the community.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
