Eight Waves relaunches Bears Who Care

Eight Waves has brought back the Bears Who Care program to schools. 

The nonprofit merged with Bears Who Care, a nonprofit Kari Kron Schmitz founded that provides books and teddy bears to ill and disadvantaged children so they have a comforting companion and something to encourage them to read. 

Now, Bears Who Care is a preschool and elementary literacy program, expanding the original vision into schools where students can benefit from books, hands-on learning and community volunteers. 

Since January nonprofit staff and volunteers have visited two schools and supported more than 150 students.

During the visits, a community guest reader shares a story with students. Afterward, students rotate through four interactive learning stations: art, sensory, STEM discovery and career exploration.

At the art station, children create artwork inspired by the story, while at the sensory station, children explore hands-on materials connected to the story.

At the STEM discovery station, students work through simple challenges, helping to build problem-solving skills and early math concepts. 

At the career exploration station, students learn about different jobs and community helpers, allowing them to imagine the various possibilities for their futures.

At the end of the visit, every student receives a reading care package that includes a teddy bear reading buddy, books they can keep, a reading passport to track reading at home and a hygiene kit.

Anyone can be involved in Bears Who Care by serving as a guest reader, volunteering at one of the learning stations, sponsoring books or reading care packages or helping bring the program to additional schools.