Our cause started out 15 years ago by a man named Gene “Bear” York. He organized a motorcycle ride to collect toys for our local toys for tots. He continued this event until his passing in 2008. A small group of his friend decided to keep this great cause going in his honor. With the communities help we have been able to grow every year. In the past three years we have donated over $40,000 in toys (mostly bicycles) to our local toys for tots. Last year alone we were able to donate over $15,000 in toys which included 250 bicycles. To further or cause in 2015 Friends of Bear Inc. became a 501c3 not-for-profit organization. Over the years of being involved with charity work I have found that there are a lot of hard working people who don’t have a lot but want to help others. The problem is they are afraid their hard earned money want be used as it should be or they don’t think the little bit they can afford to give will make a difference. We give people an opportunity to come together and do great things for people in need. We are an all-volunteer organization who believes that by working together we can make a difference in other people’s lives. Our plan is to keep supporting toys for tots but to also to help other organizations and individuals with unmet needs throughout the year. I would like to thank everyone who has supported us in the past and appreciate any support you could give us in the future.
