Founded by Katherine White in 2020, Jackson Bear Hugs is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting our local community by providing essential resources to those in need for FREE. Our mission offers immediate, no-red-tape support to individuals referred by schools, shelters, medical providers, first responders, court systems, veterans’ groups, any agency or organization serving those at risk —ensuring help is fast and effective.

Jackson Bear Hugs is a primary resource for EVERY school district in Stark County and Akron Children’s Hospital.

Since its inception, Jackson Bear Hugs has grown to over 5,000 followers and has over 100 partners across surrounding counties, impacting over 4,000 families each year ensuring they have the necessities to live with dignity and hope.

Through strong partnerships and continuous outreach, Jackson Bear Hugs helps individuals break the cycle of poverty with 4 programs.

GIVE A HUG, GET A HUG

Our main donation site offers free gently used clothing, household and children’s items. The store is filled with basic needs for every room. Shoppers can get kitchen utensils, cookware, dishes, small appliances, lamps, small furniture, bedding, window curtains, shower curtains, car seats, cribs, strollers, toys and books.

The store serves 1,500 people each year.

We also take our donations out into the neighborhoods doing community baby showers, wellness fairs, fishing rodeos. We give donations every two weeks to a soup kitchen in Massillon, a church in North Canton and to Stark Metropolitan Housing.

Outreach serves an additional 1,500 people each year.

BEAR NECESSITIES

This program provides NEW underwear, bras, socks, toiletries and cleaning supplies.

PROMise in Purple

Our second location allows students and adults to have FREE access to formal wear for special occasions. Think prom, homecoming, graduation, speech & debate, choir, first communion, military balls, disability pageants and weddings.

Last year the dream came true for 600 at risk students from 20 school districts. They were beautifully dressed for an event they may otherwise miss out on.

SUPPLIES PARTY

August of each year, Bear Hugs provides FREE back to school items for any student from anywhere.

In 2024, 700 children received essential supplies including 25 living in the YWCA homeless shelter.

Your support at our fundraiser helps us achieve two key objectives:

1. Raising Awareness & Celebrating Volunteers: We aim to grow our community by engaging more followers and supporters. The more we expand, the stronger we become in providing support to those in need.

2. Ensuring Continued Outreach: Donations directly fund the essential programs and maintain the resources we offer.

With your generosity, we can further expand our services, the next vision is a community gathering place for a safe, creative, empowering environment for all. Increasing our outreach to expand beyond just items. Think art lessons, a piano, one student helping another with math, fellowship, parent café, a club bake sale, maybe a strawberry garden.

Every donation strengthens Jackson Bear Hugs. It is our strong supporters that make this organization special. We can provide the care and resources families need to thrive—fast, with no barriers, and with the compassion every individual deserves.

We’re excited to see you at the Bourbon Derby on May 3rd at Glenmoor Country Club. Your presence and support are crucial to helping us continue our mission. Thank you for making our community a better place to live.

Sincerely,

JACKSON BEAR HUGS INC

Katherine White, Founder

Bear Hugs 2025 Bourbon Derby

By Jackson Bear Hugs Inc

Bear Hugs 2025 Bourbon Derby

Bear Hugs 2025 Bourbon Derby

Team Members