To help children who have undergone traumatic situations, Operation Bear Hug was established in 1988 and was the first philanthropic effort of the Assistance League of Fresno. Through this program, Assistance League provides local emergency agencies with certified safe, toy teddy bears to offer children, young adults and women who have experienced a trauma. Our members are extremely proud of Operation Bear Hug – a program that provides a gift of the heart. Each year we have budgeted funds to supply bears to a variety of civic and community organizations. Each bear that is distributed touches a life and brings comfort.  The need for these bears continues to grow.  This year, we have individually bagged and distributed over 1,500 bears, bringing our grand total to over 25,500 bears!