Bears That Care was started in 1987 as a way to give back to the community through a Christmas time program. It has grown into a registered 501 (c) 3 charity and is wholly operated by the Minnesota State Patrol. Bears That Care now makes two trips a year to Twin Cities hospitals near Easter and Halloween time.

We visit the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital and the Shriners Hospitals for Children. At each hospital uniformed troopers and other personnel pass out goody bags full of: toys, stuffed animals, coloring books and crayons. The uniformed state troopers are accompanied by troopers that volunteer to wear the costumes of Smokey Bear and McGruff the Crime Dog. Photos are taken of the children receiving their goody bags. At the Shriners Hospital the photos are stickers and are given to the children right away. The majority of our funding comes from the Minnesota State Patrol Troopers Association. we have our own web site where there is more information and photos too.