Bears Who Care Co-Founder, Kari Schmitz Shares Her Insight Into the Benefits of Volunteering.

Founded 13 years ago in 2008, Bears Who Care has successfully distributed over 18,000 teddy bears and books to children in need! Co-founders, Tad and Kari Schmitz are entrepreneurial in spirit and wanted to channel that gift into giving back to others. Inspiration for the idea of gifting new books and teddy bears actually came from Tad and Kari’s families! Kari’s mother was a reading specialist and Tad’s grandfather’s name was Teddy. His parents also run a successful charity organization in Illinois. Their inspirations came together to become a combined gift of a teddy bear and a book to children to provide comfort and promote literacy to children who are disadvantaged, ill or in need of support.

Teddy bears give children in need a companion that is a safe escape from any hurt or pain they might be experiencing, while books encourage them to use their imaginations, build literacy and break cycles that might keep children from growing into empowered readers. Some children do not have a safe caregiver or a trusted friend. Teddy bears create a sense of comfort; a tangible “friend” that is always available for hugs, heartfelt talks and hurt feelings.

What began with a humble 50 teddy bears and books has expanded to thousands in no small part to the outpouring of volunteers who are passionate about giving back. Volunteering and the impact it can have on a community is the crux of the conversation we had with Kari.

Here’s what she had to say about the benefits of becoming a volunteer with a local organization like Bears Who Care.

What do you love most about Bears Who Care?

I love being able to interact with and read to the children, and to see their reactions when you give them a new teddy bear and book. They hold onto both items so tightly. Sometimes they have a look of disbelief at receiving a gift just because. After every distribution, my heart is filled with so much joy.

To me, a book and a teddy bear might seem like a small gesture, but it can make a huge difference in the lives and spirits of these children.

Why did you decide to bring Bears Who Care to Horizon West?

When we became Horizon West residents, Bears Who Care came with us! Embracing and building into our community was the natural next step. We are a running family and felt inspired to create an event for the whole community to be a part of. A family-focused, health-minded 5K made perfect sense.

OktoBEARFest was founded as a continuation of an annual party we used to have at home inspired by our shared German heritage. Why not bring that part of ourselves here on a grander scale and include our neighbors, friends, and all residents of Horizon West?!

Donating to children right here in our expanded local community and neighboring communities is a major part of Bears Who Care. OktoBEARfest allows us to donate so much more because the participation and support of the community is astounding! Thousands of people show up to support the cause and we spend the day together celebrating, German style.

Why do you think volunteering locally is important?

Many of us in Horizon West are new to the community. We are each bringing with us the traditions and memories of home, while at the same time creating something new altogether for our families. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network.

Serving others puts you with people who have common interests, values and goals. It also illuminates neighborhood resources that you might not have been aware of if you hadn’t participated.

The benefits of volunteering to the recipient are often obvious, but are there benefits for the volunteer as well?

Research indicates that service to others and volunteering can contribute to mental and emotional wellness. Volunteering makes you feel good. Many of us get trapped in the day-to-day stressors and anxieties of jobs, family obligations, raising children and so on. When we take a day (or even an hour) to focus outward, often we find that our moods and spirits are suddenly brighter. We feel a sense of purpose in time well spent. Bears Who Care provides a way for you to feel that right here at home. We are elevated when we serve and that can bring a powerful feeling of achievement that battles the darker emotions that we, as humans, sometimes experience.

Volunteering is also a great way to build lifelong friendships. When we put ourselves out there, working toward the betterment of others, we connect on a deeper level- both with ourselves and each other. It takes us outside of our own problems and allows us to do something real and valuable for someone else.

Do you think young people should volunteer? Why?

If there is any one group that stands to benefit the most from volunteering, it’s young people. Children and young adults are still shaping their futures- habits, personalities, values and priorities. Taking the opportunity to volunteer can have a profound impact on who they become and how they decide to start their lives.

Young people should look for every opportunity to volunteer as they can benefit as future community members, leaders, parents, friends and employees(ers). Young adults and children alike will develop critical social skills, relationship skills and self-confidence that will prove valuable through the turbulence of teen and even pre-teen years. Bringing along friends will strengthen bonds.

The last and most important point I’ll make is that young people are, by no fault of their own, often self-focused. It doesn’t come naturally for them to think of others. That’s truer in young children of course, but maturity plays a large role in the ability to look outside yourself and see things from another’s perspective. Volunteering and meeting people who are different from you- economically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually- opens our eyes to a host of new information about the world around us.

How can we volunteer with and support Bears Who Care?

Distribution – We always need help with distributions, which happen periodically throughout the year. That involves organizing teddy bears and books, physical labor (lifting and carrying boxes) and the best part: reading with children whenever possible.

OktoBEARfest – Assist with our annual fundraising event, OktoBEARfest 5K Fun Run, on October 24th this year. Volunteer opportunities range from set-up, check-in, raffle and Scholastic book sales, filling goody bags, parking, monitoring the route and more – all could use assistance.

Get the Word Out – What helps us the most is sharing the message about Bears Who Care on social media. Please spread the word and share information with your friends and family. Often others feel inspired to volunteer in a way that’s different from your own. Tuning them in to what’s happening can lead to someone showing up to help.

Donations – Some of us see events and in-person volunteering and shy away because we don’t have time. That’s totally ok and understandable! You can still help support children in need through a donation to Bears Who Care online. No time required.

For more information about Bears Who Care and the upcoming annual OktoBEARfest 5K and Fun Run on October 24th, go here.

We hope to see many of you there and encourage you to get involved and give back to those in need!