Mission Teddy Bear
–Spreading smiles, One Teddy Bear at a Time
Mission Teddy Bear was founded in 2020, during one of the most difficult times in recent memory, the COVID-19 pandemic. When the world shut down, Arianna and Anjali Serrano couldn't visit their grandparents, and that separation inspired a simple but powerful idea: "If we couldn't be with our grandparents, maybe we could still bring comfort to someone else's."
Wanting to spread warmth to those who were most isolated, the Serrano sisters began delivering teddy bears to senior citizens in local nursing homes across Massachusetts. Each teddy bear became a symbol of care, connection, and love – a small reminder that even in times of distance, no one was truly alone. What started as a gesture for seniors soon expanded to children in hospitals and care centers, growing from a family act of kindness into a community movement of compassion.
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Our Mission
Bringing Comfort, Joy, and Hope
Mission Teddy Bear's mission is to bring comfort, joy, and hope to children and seniors through the gift of a teddy bear. Each bear represents more than just a toy – it's a hug in physical form, a message that says "You are loved, you are seen, and you are not alone."
Every teddy bear we deliver carries the power to transform a difficult day into a moment of warmth and connection.
Who We Serve
Mission Teddy Bear partners with hospitals, care homes, and community centers to deliver teddy bears and comfort packages to those in need. Each visit is filled with smiles, stories, and heartfelt moments. Volunteers personally deliver the teddy bears, connecting face-to-face with those who might need a little extra love. In 2025, our mission in Cañar, Ecuador led to the creation of a small park and the donation of school supplies — showing how small acts of kindness can spark lasting joy.
Nevins Nursing Home
Methuen, MA
Tommy's Place
Falmouth, MA
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, MA
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, MA
Lawrence General Hospital
Lawrence, MA
Jesus Para Los Niños
Cañar, Ecuador
1
February 2021
2
December 2022
3
January 2023 + February 2024
4
January 2025
Our Impact
Since its founding, Mission Teddy Bear has touched countless lives across Massachusetts and beyond. From hospital rooms to nursing home halls, each teddy bear has carried comfort, laughter, and the feeling of being cared for.
5,000+
Teddy Bears Donated
To children and seniors in hospitals and nursing homes
5+
Partner Organizations
Local and international partnerships reaching more communities
300+
Volunteer Hours
Families who have taken the time to support and guide us.
Holiday Drives
Special seasonal campaigns bringing extra joy during holidays
Care Packages
Comprehensive comfort kits for those in need
Youth Volunteer Events
Inspiring the next generation of compassionate leaders
Our Founders – The Serrano Sisters
Anjali Serrano
Co-President & Co-Founder
Anjali oversees operations and logistics, coordinating donations, partnerships, and volunteer efforts. Her organizational skills ensure that every teddy bear reaches those who need it most
Arianna Serrano
Co-President & Co-Founder
Arianna leads the organization's community outreach and storytelling, sharing Mission Teddy Bear's message through speeches, media, and creative projects. Her passion for connecting with others drives the heart of the organization's mission.
What began as a family project has become their shared mission to bring light to others. The sisters credit their compassion to their family — especially their grandparents — who taught them the importance of empathy and giving back.
Our four C's of Mission:
These core principles guide everything we do at Mission Teddy Bear, from the teddy bears we deliver to the relationships we build in our community.
Compassion
Every teddy bear carries love and hope to those who need it most.
Connection
We believe kindness bridges generations and brings people together.
Community
We partner with schools, hospitals, and nonprofits to create impact together.
Commitment
Every act of giving, no matter how small, makes a difference.
How You Can Help
You can be part of the mission, too! Every bear counts. Every smile matters. Every act of kindness multiplies.
Donate Teddy Bears
New or gently used teddy bears, 8–12 inches preferred, bring comfort to children and seniors in need.
Sponsor a Drive
Organize a collection through your school, business, or community group to amplify our impact.
Volunteer
Help with packaging, delivery, or outreach to bring smiles directly to those we serve.
Share Our Story
Spread the word on social media using #MissionTeddyBear to inspire others.
Contribute Funds
Financial support helps us ship teddy bears and supplies to hospitals and care homes.
A Message from Anjali and Arianna
"Mission Teddy Bear began because we missed our grandparents during the pandemic. We realized that even when we couldn't be physically together, we could still share love in other ways. Every teddy bear we give carries that message – that kindness connects us, even from afar."
– Anjali and Arianna Serrano, Co-Presidents and Co-Founders
What started as two sisters missing their grandparents has grown into a movement that has touched over a thousand lives. We invite you to be part of this journey — to help us spread comfort, joy, and hope, one teddy bear at a time.
Join us in making a difference. Together, we can bring smiles to those who need them most.
Voices of Gratitude
Hear directly from the children, whose lives have been touched by a Mission Teddy Bear. Their heartfelt messages are a testament to the comfort, joy, and connection that each teddy bear brings.
These stories inspire us every day and remind us of the profound impact of a simple act of kindness. Watch their messages to see the difference you help make.
Contact Us
📍 Location
Based in Lawrence, Massachusetts
🌐 Call
(978)-857-6659
(978)-857-1728
Spreading Smiles, One Teddy Bear at a Time!
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you want to donate, volunteer, partner with us, or simply learn more about our mission, reach out and join our community of kindness.