Start A Bear Drive

Running a bear drive is easy. All you need are a few volunteers, a bear bin and someone to take the bears to The Record located at 150 River Street in Hackensack or one of our convenient collection sites. We will provide the necessary materials to promote your bear drive within your organization. All you have to do is have fun and feel good about bringing a smile to someone less fortunate than yourself this holiday season.

You will receive a certificate of appreciation at the conclusion of the program. Organizations that collect more than 300 bears or donate more than $1,500 dollars (value of 300 bears) will be recognized as members of our Golden Bear Club in an advertisement in The Record and Herald News at the conclusion of the program. It is our way of saying thank you.

Additionally, the first ten organizations in the Golden Bear Club will receive a $100 gift card to Westfield Garden State Plaza and the first twenty organizations to donate $750 or 150 bears will receive a $50 gift card.

Here are four steps to running a successful bear drive:

  1. Complete the participation form. You can fax, mail or submit it online. We will confirm your participation and then you are all set to start your bear drive!

  2. Find a visible spot for your bear drive collection bin. We can provide you with signs and flyers. Click here to see a list of materials that Bear Hugs for the Holidays® will send to you. Click here for a checklist of materials that we suggest you have on hand for your successful bear drive.

  3. All bears that are donated must be tagged with a message from a donor or volunteer. You can download tags here but we prefer to send you tags made of thicker stock. You can indicate your choice on the participation form. The message on the tag can be as simple as “Hope you feel better” or “Happy Holidays”. You should attach the tag around the bear’s neck with a rubber band that we will supply to you.

  4. Bring the tagged bears to The Record located at 150 River Street in Hackensack between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 Noon, Monday through Friday. Or you can bring the tagged bears to any of our many collection sites prior to Thursday, December 7.

Let’s get started!!

Click here for a list of materials that Bear Hugs for the Holidays® will provide. Click here for a checklist of suggested materials that your organization or group will need to provide.