Kare-n-Bear

 

 

Kare-n-Bear is the name of a community service ministry providing emergency clothing and personal items to children removed from their homes by state protective services. The Eugene Church of Christ supplies approximately 90 kits three times a year.

 

Kare-n-Bear has clothespin "hair" stocked with tags for specific items which will be used to assemble the kits. Members of the congregation take the tags and supply the items needed. The Ladies' Bible Class which meets on Tuesday mornings schedule work days to sew and complete the bags.

 

Each Kare-n-Bear Kit contains pajamas, socks, underwear and/or diapers (with diaper rash ointment and baby wipes), comb, shampoo, toothbrusth, toothpaste, and a handsewn stuffed bear and drawstring bag, lovingly crafted by the women of the congregation.

 

Kare-n-Bear was created on September 28, 1995, when a small group met at the home of Jim and Wendy Pitt to discuss Community Service efforts. The group included three couples: Jim and Wendy Pitt, Rob and Jan Abbott, and Brian and Chris Leavitt. As foster parents, the Leavitts mentioned that too often foster children arrive without a change of clothes or anything of their own. Consequently, Chris contacted the Children's Services Division with the proposal and the first Kare-n-Bear Kits were soon delivered. Brother Ken McEwen and others constructed the bear which now sits in the foyer. It was repaired and given a facelift by Max and Clyda Clark in 2001. The ministry is currently headed up by Jerry and Juanita Kornman.