Seeing a child patient’s face light up when they are given a stuffed animal is what Bears to Share, a new SCHS club, is working to make possible. The gesture can make a child’s day brighter and help them get through hard times when they are in the hospital, according to club president freshman Shailee Nanavati.

“[We want] to make bears for kids in hospitals and make hundreds of patients happier,” Nanavati said.

The Bears to Share club is open to everyone, and members make sure to assist those who need help, whether it is with sewing or crafting.

To get the needed supplies, club advisor Hanna Anderson collects donations from the community. She drives around her neighborhood picking up fabric and fiberfill. Her neighbors have responded positively to her requests, and one person went to JOANN Fabrics and bought materials for the club, Anderson said.

“These neighbors and community members recognized that this group has a great cause and they were very willing to contribute in any way they could,” she said.

Club meetings usually start with a few brief announcements and then the members continue working on their current project. Meetings are supposed to be relaxed and are not meant to rush people into getting things done.

Bears to Share is currently making stuffed dinosaurs. In early December, some club members plan to visit the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and hand out the stuffed animals they have made to patients.

If students cannot make it to the lunch meetings, the projects can be completed in their spare time. The club has a Google Classroom with step-by-step tutorials for the projects. Bears to Share wants to make it as convenient as possible for the students to help those in need.

According to Nanavati, Bears to Share club members are determined to provide as many stuffed animals they can make for children who need them. They want to represent SCHS as caring and show the patients that they are not alone. Anderson is impressed by the club’s activities.

“I am in awe of the things these teenagers want to do to help out others in need,” Anderson said.

Bears to Share club meets every Wednesday in Ms. Anderson’s room B101.