St. Matthew's Episcopal Church 919 Tennis Avenue | Maple Glen, Pennsylvania 19002 | 215-646-4092

Operation Bear Hug 2021

2021’s Operation Bear Hug has concluded with a total of 434 bear hugs delivered to residents in local care facilities. Recipients included patients residing at the Masonic Village at Warminster, Luther Woods, Abington-Lansdale Hospital, Fox Sub-Acute facilities in Warrington and Plymouth Meeting, and The Landing Commonwealth Senior Living. Operation Bear Hug would not be possible without the help of Lou and Mary Waters, Angela and Bruce Baldus, Jeanne and Jim Garrison, Betsy Landis, and Lisa, Tim, Erin, Sean and Jason Walsh.

Each Christmas, St. Matthew’s Maple Glen spreads Christmas comfort to residents dwelling within our local care centers, such as Fox Subacute. Steered by parishioner Lisa Walsh, Operation Bear Hug has been collecting and delivering new teddy bears to individuals for nearly two decades. We’d like YOU to help us make this year’s operation a major success by donating a bear, and spreading the word. Traditionally following the donation window, a contingent of volunteers would hand-deliver the stuffed animals to patients on Christmas Eve. However, due to COVID-19 limitations, things look a little bit different. This year, we invite you to participate in the following ways:

PARTICIPATION OPTIONS

  • Purchase a teddy bear of your choosing, and drop it off at Saint Matthew’s in the bins near the narthex, or,
  • Purchase a bear, or many bears, via our Amazon WishlistDuring check out, be sure to select the shipping address labeled: Lisa Walsh’s Gift Registry Address, or,
  • Donate funds to the project through a Tithe.ly online donation.
  • Print this flyer + post in your workplace, school, or community center.

We collect bears until December 15th, but donations made after that date will be used for Operation Bear Hug 2022. Questions? Reach out to Lisa Walsh via email or telephone at (215) 518-3316. Thank you for spreading the spirit of generosity and good works.


View 6abc’s Hometown Heroes segment about last year’s Operation Bear Hug, which aired on December 23, 2020. Read the full article here.


Operation Bear Hug 2020 Photo Gallery


Please help us make someone feel special and loved during the Christmas season, especially since so many are unable to be with their loved ones.