HELPING HANDS
HUGS ACROSS AMERICA

Lent brings with it an opportunity for all of us to turn our thoughts toward the least of His brothers and sisters. The devastating effects of December’s tsunami inspired the children in the Fait Formation Program to donate teddy bears to Hugs Across America, Inc., a nondenominational, not for profit charitable organization that provides teddy bears, curricular materials, and messages of care to children in crisis.

Children in grades one through six are donating stuffed teddy bears that will be shipped to the children in Southeast Asia. Our seventh and eighth graders will be tagging the bears with messages of hope and concern for the children. Many relief services are being provided to help meet the physical needs of these victims; pharmaceuticals, hospital equipment, doctors, and water purification systems. But kids need more than physical aid. A teddy bear can support the emotional healing of children by diminishing the fear and anxiety they are experiencing. A much needed comforting hug from a teddy bear can help bring God’s message to these young victims. They are never forgotten. Our children are learning a significant lesson – how to give of themselves to children who have so little.