Unity Church of Tucson

May 11th is Mother’s Day and this opens “bear season” at Unity of Tucson - the annual collection of new stuffed animals for community programs and charities. This Bear Season, also known as the Love Bears or the Bears in the Chairs has been going on for six years, sponsored by SOFIA (Sisters of Faith in Action) and the Pet Ministry last year. This year, the Unitics are in charge of the plush critters (bears, bunnies, doggies, kitties, and maybe a hippo, even a gorilla). Invite a few of your best new stuffies to Unity on Sundays to be hugged and filled with love during the service and left in the chair as you head for home. You may continue to bring critters every Sunday or just sit and hug one that someone else brought.

Last year 240 critters were collected and distributed by the Pet Ministry to 7 local groups: Tucson Medical Center, Tucson Police Department, Rural Metro, Aviva, Brewster Center, Women’s Pregnancy Centers, and Catalina Community Resource Center. We know that other programs within our community would gladly take the animals if more could be hunted down!

Towards the end of July, we will be saying good-bye to this “full of love” group of “Huggables,” pack them up and send them on their way to those with special needs.

So, get ready! Bear season is upon us. Start hunting ‘em down and bringing ‘em in - NEW ONES please. We have chairs and arms to fill. (Bear season ends on Christmas in July Sunday at Unity of Tucson.)

The challenge this year…collecting MORE stuffed animals. Just think of the joy that could be spread! All those huggables full of love, peace and joy on their way to a new adventure. Remember, large stuffed animals are rather difficult to transport to their new homes, 8-18″ tall is almost perfect and appreciated.