Giving unused teddy bears a new purpose through comfort, connection, and community.
The Sanroma Foundation is giving unused, carefully stored teddy bears from the former Grin N’ Bear It business a new purpose.
Through this initiative, the bears will be shared with older adults in nursing homes, assisted living communities, memory care programs, and other community settings.
Whenever possible, each bear will be accompanied by a handmade card or message from a student or community member.
Comfort. Connection. Community.
Comfort
A simple gift can provide warmth, familiarity, companionship, and a reminder that someone in the community cares.
Connection
Handmade cards and messages can help create meaningful connections between younger and older generations.
Community
Schools, senior living communities, volunteers, families, and local organizations can all take part.
The Story Behind the Bears
The teddy bears originated from Grin N’ Bear It, a former Rhode Island business operated by Edna and Paul Sanroma.
After remaining unused and carefully stored, the bears now have an opportunity to serve an entirely new purpose through the work of The Sanroma Foundation.
Their next chapter will focus on bringing comfort and meaningful moments to older adults in our communities.
Cards Across Generations
The Foundation is inviting students and community members to create handmade cards that can accompany the bears.
Cards can include:
- Drawings
- Encouraging messages
- Seasonal greetings
- Short letters
- Words of kindness
A simple card can help make each gift personal.
One bear. One card. One meaningful connection.
Get Involved
Senior Communities
Nursing homes, assisted living communities, memory care programs, and senior organizations can express interest in participating in a future distribution.
Schools and Students
Schools, classrooms, and student organizations can help create cards and messages to accompany the bears.
Volunteers
Volunteers may assist with organizing, preparing, and distributing bears.
Community Partners
Businesses and organizations can help support project needs including printing, packaging, transportation, and outreach.
Interested in Participating?
We welcome organizations and community members interested in becoming part of Bears With a Purpose.
Contact The Sanroma Foundation
About The Sanroma Foundation
The Sanromá Foundation supports individuals, families, and caregivers affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease while working to strengthen connections between older adults and their communities.