Memory Bears
Hospice of San Joaquin invites you to preserve the memory of your loved one with a Memory Bear. Memory bears are made from the clothing of loved ones and are treasured as a huggable keepsake. Hospice of San Joaquin patient families are eligible to receive a complimentary bear. Additional bears and ones available to the community are available for a $30 donation per bear.
Please allow 8-12 weeks for our volunteers to craft your bear. All orders must be pre-paid and are tax deductible. Shipping charges: $10 for the first bear and $5 for each additional.
Memory Bear Order Form
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do memory bears cost?
Memory bears are available to all for a $30 donation. Hospice of San Joaquin patient families are eligible to recieve one free complimentary memory bear. Shipping charges are $10 for the first memory bear and $5 each additional memory bear. You can also pick up completed memory bears at our Stockton office.
What type of fabric works best for memory bears?
Volunteers can make memory bears from shirts, sweatshirts, blouses, bathrobes, unitforms, fleece, flannel, and cotton. Please note: volunters cannot work with leather, beaded garments, stretch knits, and blankets.
Do fabrics need to be washed ahead of time?
Yes. All fabric should be clean, wrinkle-free and have no holes.
How much fabric is needed to make a memory bear?
At least a square yard (36"x36") is needed per bear. We strongly recomended you provide all necessary fabric, however if you do not have enough, volunteers will do their best to match what's provided with extra from fabric storage.
What size are completed memory bears?
Completed bears are 14-15" tall. Size can vary slightly depending on the quantity and type of fabric provided.
What type of eyes are used for memory bears?
Typically buttons from the clothing provided and color coordinated buttons are used. Sometimes eyes are requested to be left off entirely (commonly requested when the memory bear is going to a small child). You can indicate your eye preference on the order form.
How do I get started?
Fill out the above ORDER FORM. You can either mail it and your memory bear fabric or drop it off at our Stockton office: Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton CA 95204
I have a special request for my memory bear.
There is a space on the form to include special requests and details about your loved one. In the past, volunteers have included details like highlighting a sprots team logo, an added motocycle vest or a back pocket to include a tape recorder of you loved one's voice. Not every request can be met, but volunteers will do their best to accommodate where they can. Please be sure to leave contact information on your form so volunteers can follow-up with you.
