Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Launches Hugs and Hope Initiative with Holiday Events in Cypress
As the holiday season approaches, the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is bringing warmth and hope to those in need through its annual Holiday Hugs campaign. Running from November 1 to December 15, the initiative aims to spread cheer and provide support to hospital patients and children under the care of Child Protective Services (CPS). Partnering with BEAR Houston (BE A Resource for CPS Kids), the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is offering several ways for the community to give back during this festive season.
One of the highlights of the Holiday Hugs program is the opportunity for local donors to write heartwarming messages to patients spending the holidays in hospitals. These messages are attached to teddy bears, which are delivered to hospitals throughout the region, providing comfort and joy to patients who may otherwise feel isolated during the holiday season.
In addition to supporting hospital patients, the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center has teamed up with BEAR Houston for the third consecutive year to help provide new holiday gifts to children in CPS care through the BEARing Gifts program. This initiative ensures that children who might not otherwise experience the magic of the season receive presents and feel the warmth of the holidays. Last year, BEAR served over 26,000 children during the BEARing Gifts program.
“We are excited to join forces again to spread joy, hope, and love throughout the community, making the holidays a little brighter for those who might otherwise not feel the warmth of the season,” said Merri Hahn, Community Outreach Manager at BEAR Houston. "This partnership over the last three years has allowed us to connect more donors with BEAR’s mission to create hope and help for children in need in the greater Houston area.”
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Community Events in Cypress: November 11 and December 9
For those looking to participate in person, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is hosting special events in Cypress at the Berry Center. On November 11, the community is invited to join in the Holiday Hugs festivities, where they can donate blood from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, drop off holiday gifts, and write well-wish messages for hospital patients. The event will also feature opportunities to connect with representatives from BEAR Houston to learn more about the BEARing Gifts program. Secure your spot to donate blood at the November 11 event here.
A second event is scheduled for December 9, giving locals another chance to contribute to the cause before the holiday season concludes. Both events will provide convenient ways for the community to engage in meaningful acts of kindness, whether by donating blood, offering a gift for a child in need, or sharing an uplifting message. Check back on the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center website here to schedule your blood donation at the December 9 event.
How to Participate
There are three primary ways the community can get involved in the Holiday Hugs campaign:
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The Gift of Saving: Donate blood at one of the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center’s 18 Neighborhood Donor Centers or during a mobile blood drive.
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The Gift of Joy: Donate a holiday toy to be given to children in CPS care.
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The Gift of Hope: Write a message of encouragement for hospital patients, spreading positivity and good cheer.
Toy donation bins will be available at all Neighborhood Donor Centers, and well-wish cards will be provided to those wishing to send messages of hope. These efforts are designed to ensure that individuals across the region can make a meaningful impact during the holiday season, whether through blood donation, toy collection, or words of kindness.
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A Time to Give Back
The Holiday Hugs initiative is a reminder that even small actions can make a big difference in the lives of those who are struggling. With the holiday season often being a challenging time for hospital patients and children in foster care, the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is encouraging everyone in the community to come together to spread hope and joy.
For more details about the Holiday Hugs campaign or to find a donation location near you, visit giveblood.org/holidayhugs. As the sole provider of blood and blood products to more than 170 hospitals and healthcare facilities across a 26-county area in Southeast Texas, the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is able to provide this vital service because of donors like you.
Let’s unite this holiday season to bring comfort, cheer, and hope to our neighbors and loved ones across the region.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
