be rich in good works, be generous, ready to share with others.  I Tim 6:18

While strolling the Mall of America this weekend during Knit-Out 2008 I had the pleasure of meeting Judy Johnson of the Mother Bear Project.

Hand knitted or crocheted bears using a pattern offered at their site, motherbearproject.org, are made and embellished by caring crafters and then shipped to children. According to their website over 25,000 bears have already been distributed worldwide.

As an added feature, notecards are available with pictures of children holding the bears they received. On the back of the card is a picture of the person who made the bear holding it.

Mother Bear Project holds no religious affiliation as it is reaching the arms of children all over the world, some of which hold their own affiliation. This is an act of loving kindness with no strings or other message included. Only the message of love.

Judy (pictured above with two project bears and also holding my friendly bear Purl) was an exciting woman with an obvious passion for the children these bears touch.

If you would like to obtain the pattern to knit or crochet one of these precious bears you can order one from their website. Unable to knit or crochet but you want to help? Funds are needed as is beary expensive to ship to the receiving countries. You can be a Bearnabas by supporting this worthwhile cause.

For more details, check out the website at  www.motherbearproject.org .

Check out my other weblog at www.bearyann.com for more pictures and details about the Knit-Out 2008 weekend.