I would like to start with the story of “what inspired us to start the Teddy Bear Love Fund”. In 1995 my children Kim Shehan Douglas and Josh Shehan “as well as a 4-year family friend that Kim was babysitting for” were involved in a serious accident here in Columbus. They were both taken to Columbus Regional. Josh was treated and released that day, but Kim was placed in the ICU and was hospitalized at CRH for many days due to internal injuries.
While in the hospital Kim started thinking about how scary it was for her, her brother, and the other little girl to be involved in an accident like that and she decided she wanted to do something to help other kids that are in similar situations to feel safer. So, with the help of many friends and family Kim started the Teddy Bear Love Fund. We had a raffle and a dance “which Kim missed because she was placed back in the hospital the night before due to complications”. Overall, Kim was able to Collect approximately 350 stuffed animals which were given to the police department and ambulances to give to children at accident scenes.
Fast forward 28 years later, in March 2023 Kim was sharing her story with her “at the time 12-year-old son” Roger. Roger was very intrigued and decided he wanted to do something similar, so he came up with Stuffed with Love, his goal was to collect stuffed animals to give to children when they go to the hospital to help them feel safer and have a “friend” to help them through their tough time. Roger and his Young Marines troop collected an astonishing 2,109 stuffed animals for CRH and Schneck. Due to a discrepancy with the Stuffed with Love name, we had to choose to change the name back to Teddy Bear Love Fund. My husband and I also wanted to help Roger with his dream, so we stepped in to help with the Teddy Bear Love Fund and found that it has also become a passion for us as well. Since we are both retired, we have had the extra time to help with the fundraising events, starting and setting up the “new” stuffing parties, and have greatly enjoyed being a part of this amazing organization.
We have received a lot of publicity over the last year and other hospitals have been asking how they could be recipients of our stuffed animals also, so we decided to file for our 501c3 status which we recently received. We currently furnish new stuffed animals to CRH, Schneck Medical, St. Vincent Jennings, Riley Children’s Hospital, and Peyton Manning Hospital. Currently, our animals are shared through ERs, outpatient surgery, and admitted to the Peds unit. Also, as we get to know the needs of each hospital, we have started adding sensory toys and books to our donations.
We have gotten most of our animals through sitting in front of stores and small donations. We are a very small organization but with community help, we are keeping up with the donations. We have recently started a community program to have stuffing parties. We purchase unstuffed animals and all supplies with sponsorships, and we invite the community to stuff, these events have been a huge hit, and we plan to have many more. We have an average of 100 volunteers at each stuffing party, we are very excited that we see generations of families making memories together while helping others. We will be having parties in all counties of our participating hospitals. Hope to see you there.
I would like to start with the story of “what inspired us to start the Teddy Bear Love Fund”. In 1995 my children Kim Shehan Douglass and Josh Shehan “as well as a 4-year family friend that Kim was babysitting for” were involved in a serious accident here in Columbus. They were both taken to Columbus Regional. Josh was treated and released that day, but Kim was placed in the ICU and was hospitalized at CRH for many days due to internal injuries.
While in the hospital Kim started thinking about how scary it was for her, her brother, and the other little girl to be involved in an accident like that and she decided she wanted to do something to help other kids that are in similar situations to feel safer. So, with the help of many friends and family Kim started the Teddy Bear Love Fund. We had a raffle and a dance “which Kim missed because she was placed back in the hospital the night before due to complications”. Overall, Kim was able to Collect approximately 350 stuffed animals which were given to the police department and ambulances to give to children at accident scenes.
Fast forward 28 years later, in March 2023 Kim was sharing her story with her “at the time 12-year-old son” Roger. Roger was very intrigued and decided he wanted to do something similar, so he came up with Stuffed with Love, his goal was to collect stuffed animals to give to children when they go to the hospital to help them feel safer and have a “friend” to help them through their tough time. Roger and his Young Marines troop collected an astonishing 2,109 stuffed animals for CRH and Schneck. Due to a discrepancy with the Stuffed with Love name, we had to choose to change the name back to Teddy Bear Love Fund. My husband and I also wanted to help Roger with his dream, so we stepped in to help with the Teddy Bear Love Fund and found that it has also become a passion for us as well. Since we are both retired, we have had the extra time to help with the fundraising events, starting and setting up the “new” stuffing parties, and have greatly enjoyed being a part of this amazing organization.
We have received a lot of publicity over the last year and other hospitals have been asking how they could be recipients of our stuffed animals also, so we decided to file for our 501c3 status which we recently received. We currently furnish new stuffed animals to CRH, Schneck Medical, St. Vincent Jennings, Riley Children’s Hospital, and Peyton Manning Hospital. Currently, our animals are shared through ERs, outpatient surgery, and admitted to the Peds unit. Also, as we get to know the needs of each hospital, we have started adding sensory toys and books to our donations.
We have gotten most of our animals through sitting in front of stores and small donations. We are a very small organization but with community help, we are keeping up with the donations. We have recently started a community program to have stuffing parties. We purchase unstuffed animals and all supplies with sponsorships, and we invite the community to stuff, these events have been a huge hit, and we plan to have many more. We have an average of 100 volunteers at each stuffing party, we are very excited that we see generations of families making memories together while helping others. We will be having parties in all counties of our participating hospitals. Hope to see you there.
Our story
- Bonnie shehan, founder
FOunder
Bonnie Shehan
co-FOunder
At just 15 years old, I experienced a life-changing car accident that left me seriously injured and facing a long recovery in the hospital. During that difficult time, I saw firsthand how small acts of comfort could make a big difference-especially for young patients going through fear, pain, and uncertainty.
Inspired by that experience, I set out to give back in a meaningful way. What began as a simple fundraiser to provide stuffed animals to children involved in accidents quickly grew into something much bigger. Today, that effort has evolved into organized "stuffing parties," where volunteers come together to create and donate stuffed animals to hospitals, bringing comfort and smiles to kids when they need it most.
At just 15 years old, I experienced a life-changing car accident that left me seriously injured and facing a long recovery in the hospital. During that difficult time, I saw firsthand how small acts of comfort could make a big difference-especially for young patients going through fear, pain, and uncertainty.
Inspired by that experience, I set out to give back in a meaningful way. What began as a simple fundraiser to provide stuffed animals to children involved in accidents quickly grew into something much bigger. Today, that effort has evolved into organized "stuffing parties," where volunteers come together to create and donate stuffed animals to hospitals, bringing comfort and smiles to kids when they need it most.
Bonnie Shehan is a dedicated community leader and healthcare professional with over 22 years of nursing experience, known for her compassion, empathy, and unwavering commitment to caring for others. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for supporting individuals and families during some of life’s most challenging moments.
As the founder and driving force behind the Teddy Bear Love Fund, Bonnie has translated her professional experience and personal values into meaningful community impact. The organization was founded with the instrumental support and inspiration of her daughter, Kim Douglass, and her 12-year-old grandson, Roger Douglass, whose shared vision and compassion helped bring the program to life.
Under Bonnie’s leadership, the Fund has grown into a trusted source of comfort and support, providing essential items and acts of kindness to children and families in need. She is recognized for her ability to build strong community partnerships, engage volunteers, and lead initiatives that create lasting, positive change.
Bonnie remains committed to expanding the reach of the Teddy Bear Love Fund, guided by her belief that every act of kindness—no matter how small—can make a meaningful difference.
Bonnie Shehan is a dedicated community leader and healthcare professional with over 22 years of nursing experience, known for her compassion, empathy, and unwavering commitment to caring for others. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for supporting individuals and families during some of life’s most challenging moments.
As the founder and driving force behind the Teddy Bear Love Fund, Bonnie has translated her professional experience and personal values into meaningful community impact. The organization was founded with the instrumental support and inspiration of her daughter, Kim Douglass, and her 12-year-old grandson, Roger Douglass, whose shared vision and compassion helped bring the program to life.
Under Bonnie’s leadership, the Fund has grown into a trusted source of comfort and support, providing essential items and acts of kindness to children and families in need. She is recognized for her ability to build strong community partnerships, engage volunteers, and lead initiatives that create lasting, positive change.
Bonnie remains committed to expanding the reach of the Teddy Bear Love Fund, guided by her belief that every act of kindness—no matter how small—can make a meaningful difference.
kim douglas
co-FOunder
At just 12 years old, Roger was already committed to serving others through his involvement in the Young Marines. Wanting to make a meaningful impact in his community, he set out to lead a service project of his own. Inspired by a stuffed animal fundraiser originally started by his mother, Roger took the initiative to grow and expand the effort into something even bigger.
As a co-founder, he has helped transform the fundraiser into hands-on "stuffing parties," bringing people together to create and donate stuffed animals to children in hospitals. Through his leadership and dedication, Roger continues to make a positive difference, showing that age is no barrier to compassion and community service.
At just 12 years old, roger was already committed to serving others through his involvement in the Young Marines. Wanting to make a meaningful impact in his community, he set out to lead a service project of his own. Inspired by a stuffed animal fundraiser originally started by his mother, roger took the initiative to grow and expand the effort into something even bigger.
As a co-founder, he has helped transform the fundraiser into hands-on "stuffing parties," bringing people together to create and donate stuffed animals to children in hospitals. Through his leadership and dedication, roger continues to make a positive difference, showing that age is no barrier to compassion and community service.
Roger Douglas
