Be A Friend Program
Build a Friend, Make a Friend, Be a Friend.
A stuffed animal may seem small, but to a child facing uncertainty, medical treatments, or other difficult situations, it’s a source of comfort, love, and - more importantly - a friend to help face their current life circumstances. Through the Be A Friend Program, youth in our partner organizations create stuffed animals—one to keep, one to give—spreading friendship and joy where it’s needed most.
About the Program
The Be A Friend Program is a unique initiative centered around recognizing and empowering children and teens within our current partner organizations. This program enables them to create a friend to join them on all their life adventures AND make a friend to be a friend to a child or teen in need—a simple, yet powerful, act of kindness. This hands-on experience recognizes and empowers the attendees while bringing comfort to children unable to attend the event.
How It Started
In 2019 we had the opportunity to do a service project alongside CAST, Build-A-Bear, and other partner organizations. During this event, we discovered the power of youth and adults creating something together to give to someone in need. Many of the individuals who participated that day talked fondly about the event well after it occurred. In addition, we heard positive feedback from connections in our partner organizations that gave out the stuffed animals to youth facing difficult situations.
After a brief pause and lots of dreaming, we launched a pilot program in 2023 called "Be A Friend." We invited Pathway Caring for Children to bring youth to the Hall of Fame Village Build-A-Bear to participate in building two friends—one to keep and one to give to a child at Akron Children's Hospital. We were joined by local entities such as USFL cheerleaders, GOLDY the GOAT, Starbucks, and Visit Canton. It was a day focused on the participating youth, while also asking them to give back. The smiles, laughter, and joy that day were contagious, so we knew we had to continue the program and build upon it in coming years.
The following year, we worked with Project KARE to scale the program from 37 to 50 youth at the same Hall of Fame Village Build-A-Bear. We were joined by mascots GOLDY the GOAT, Bearemy, Andy the Armadillo from Texas Roadhouse, and shops Heggy’s Nut Shop, SMOOSH Cookie, and Pizza Oven—businesses that had since moved into the area. The Pro Football Hall of Fame allowed use of the small field below the shops for Stark County JFS to set up field games. In addition, the Hall of Fame Village allowed us to fill their walkways with bubbles. It was truly an incredible day to remember!
Our mission has always been about providing toys. This initiative takes our mandate to the next level by empowering the youth who usually receive our donations to become a part of the giving. This makes the impact of a simple toy greater on both sides of the equation.
Total Program Impact
2
Events
87
Kids Participated
174
Stuffed Animals Made
174
Kids Impacted
A Lookback on 2024's Program
2024 Sponsors
CHAMPION SPONSORS
FRIEND SPONSOR
Laborers' Local #1015
Become A Sponsor
Many children experience difficult days filled with uncertainty. Whether they are undergoing medical treatments, recovering from trauma, or simply in need of extra comfort, the feeling of having a friend by their side makes all the difference. By sponsoring this program you can make a lasting impact.
Why Businesses Love Sponsoring Be A Friend:
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Authenticity + Making A DifferenceWe are a group of authentic individuals who believe that no kid should feel alone when facing a chronic illness, terminal illness, or crisis situation. We believe that something as small as a toy or stuffed animal can provide hope, security, laughter, and a distraction—not only for a kid, but also for the staff, caregivers, and family.
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Community + CollaborationWe go beyond giving "just another toy" by working with others to make a lasting impact. We value community partnerships because we know we can do more together than we can on our own.
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FamilyFamily, for us, is more than just biological connections. We believe that no one should do life alone—everyone should feel connected, loved, and supported by others. As an organization, we prioritize creating time and space to continually nourish relationships. Not only do we provide our partner organizations with toys and activities to facilitate family time, but we also intentionally create space in our own calendar so that our families can spend time with each other.
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QualityToys provide a way to bring hope and laughter to children in the darkest moments. We do our best to make sure that the items we donate are of the highest quality and from trusted brands that last / do not break after the first day.
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LaughterLaughter is a powerful tool that can bring healing and hope into any moment. We truly believe life is better when you are laughing!
2025 Sponsorship Levels
This year we are excited to announce that we will be on the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium field with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Youth Department running drills and other fun games with the kids participating!
Our goal is to raise $25,000* to cover the costs associated with the event.
Join us in creating an incredible day for youth across Northeast Ohio. Your contribution will provide furry friends for whatever life may be bringing their way—whether they are undergoing medical treatments, recovering from trauma, or simply in need of extra comfort. Your contribution can help make a lasting impact on the lives of young people right here in our community.
*All excess funds donated will go towards next year’s event.