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Bear Hugs: A Project to Support Emancipated Teens in Orange County

Women and children are the focus of the Junior League of Orange County. In general, younger children receive the attention of many philanthropies. Older teenagers are neglected; specifically those who have been removed from their homes and placed in protective custody in county facilities or foster homes. The Bear Hugs project reaches out to those teenagers.

Approximately 300 teens emancipate from county care each year. Many of these teens lack the support system normally present for teens at a time when they are finishing high school and planning their futures. Bear Hugs provide these emancipated teens a collection of items to ease the transition to independent living.

Bear Hugs provides the "bare necessities:" a duffel bag filled with essentials such as toiletries, towel sets and a blanket, stationery supplies, an inspirational book, phone cards, maps, flashlights and alarm clocks and includes a list of resource agencies and programs and a

small stuffed animal. Sleeping bags are also available as needed for tens who will "couch surf" or are in danger of homelessness. The Orangewood Children's Foundation is the liaison for Bear Hugs through their Independent Living Program.

The goal of Bear Hugs is to have a duffel available for every teen at the time they emancipate. We keep bags on hand for teens who do not finish high school; the bulk of the duffel bags are distributed at a graduation ceremony and dance held in June.

The Bear Hugs Committee is always seeking assistance with the project. Bear Hugs is in need of financial, material and volunteer support. Cash donations are funded through the Junior League of Orange County, product donations for any of the duffel supplies are greatly appreciated and help with our "stuffing" parties is another way to participate.

"Bear" Necessities

  • Stuffed "Bear" or other small stuffed animal
  • Towel and washcloth
  • Basic hygiene supplies: hairbrush, comb, soap, disposable razor, shave cream, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, mouthwash (full size containers)
  • Small sewing kit
  • Roll of toilet paper
  • Stationery supplies: paper, pencils, pens, stamps, tape, scissors, large plastic multi-pocket file envelope, address book/calendar
  • Small flashlight
  • Small alarm clock
  • Travel umbrella
  • Travel First Aid kit
  • Gift Certificates for food (pizza, burgers, breakfast items)
  • Telephone calling card
  • Personal journal
  • "Chicken Soup" book
  • T-shirt
  • Sleeping bags
  • Duffel bags

For more information about the project or donations, please contact the Junior League of Orange County headquarters at 949.261.0823 or email us Email.

We would like to thank those organizations who have generously supported this project:
  • Arden Realty
  • Bivar, Inc.
  • Day Runner, Inc.
  • El Pollo Loco
  • Energizer
  • The Gund Foundation
  • Impac Mortgage Holding, Inc.
  • John O. Butler
  • Mag Instrument
  • Mark Victor Hansen & Associates
  • Mead Products
  • Mission Hospital
  • Pentel of America, Ltd.
  • Russ Berrie and Company, Inc.
  • Sam's Club
  • Sprint
  • Staples
  • Taco Bell
  • Tiffany & Company
  • Unilever Home & Personal Care - USA
  • Viking Office Supplies