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Bears and Blankets

Alumni staff and chapter leaders hold bears and blankets alongside the WVU Mountaineer mascot outside of WVU Medicine Golisano Children's hospital.

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.

How to Make a Financial Donation:

  • 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.

Give Now
Smoky Mountains
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

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