June 1-December 31, 2026
Each year, more than 9,000 children are admitted to WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital, many facing serious health challenges in unfamiliar surroundings. The Bears & Blankets initiative was created to provide comfort to these young patients through the donation of new stuffed animals and blankets.
Alumni across the country participate by collecting and donating new bears and blankets, or by contributing financially through designated WVU Foundation giving pages. These donations will be given to children upon admission or as a reward for completing treatment, helping to brighten their hospital experience.
Questions? Contact the WVU Alumni Association at alumni@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-4731.
- Click the Give Now button below
- Scroll down to
Support a Fundraiser
- Search for your local alumni chapter or select WVU Alumni (General)
- Click Donate to complete your gift.
2026 Participating Chapters
Boone CountyCentral PA
Central Virginia (Financial only)
Charlotte
Cincinnati/Dayton
Connecticut
Dallas/Fort Worth
Emerald Coast
Grand Strand
Greater Pittsburgh (Financial only)
Liberty Bell
Lone Star
Low Country
Northwestern PA
North Coast Cleveland
Palmetto
Peach State
Potomac Highlands
Potomac Valley
Rocky Mountain (Financial only)
Sarasota Bay (Financial only)
Shenandoah Valley
South Florida
Southern New Jersey
Tampa Bay (Financial only)
2025 Bears and Blankets Drive by the numbers
Participating Chapters: 16
Financial Donations: $9,627 (1,375 item buying power)
Item Donations: 921
Total Donations: 2,296
2025 Goal: 1,000 Donations