Meet Katherine White, founder of Jackson Bear Hugs
Katherine White founded Jackson Bear Hugs, a nonprofit that works with volunteers and provides a place to collect, sort and distribute donations for the community.
She attended Jackson Local Schools starting in kindergarten and graduated from Jackson High School. White continues to live in Jackson Township with her husband David and their two sons.
“My husband and I are working in construction,” White said. “He is on the commercial side with Fred Olivieri Construction and I am self-employed, drawing blueprints for people or companies wanting to build or remodel a home. My faith and life experiences led us to start Bear Hugs in the spring of 2020.”
The organization works with a variety of partners throughout the area to collect and distribute items, including school districts, police stations, fire departments, hospitals, churches, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, family living centers and other nonprofits.
“We work with first responders, shelters, groups and counselors from anywhere who refer at-risk families and clients to call us and set up an appointment to shop for free," White said. "It doesn't matter where a person or family lives, there are no applications, no proof of income. All are welcome. Examples are a foster child aging out of the program, someone escaping domestic violence or trafficking, a family who has lost everything in a fire, a veteran getting housing and the list goes on."
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Share the mission, vision and goals of the Jackson Bear Hugs.
Jackson Bear Hugs is a nonprofit organization that provides a local hub to collect, sort and distribute donations for our community. Our community coming together so that no neighbor feels forgotten or left behind.
What other ways have you been able to help those in need in the community?
The other ways that the organization helps people in any community are to host and attend events like community baby showers, off to college campaigns, the prom boutique, our school supplies party and sports equipment giveaways.
This past summer, we delivered hundreds of boxes full of treasures to over 2,000 people. Locations were Stark Library Main Campus, STEAM in North Canton, Hunter Center in Canton, LifeSong Church with the Kiche Community of Massillon, Hall of Fame Village, Jackson High School, Crenshaw Park in Canton, Salvation Army Massillon, Sippo Park, Walnut Hills Park and the 708 Building in Massillon.
What motivates you to help people in the community?
I am motivated by the amazing compassion and generosity of the Jackson Township residents. And collaboration is out of this world. People want to help. Bear Hugs just gives them a place to do that!
Share a career highlight or personal accomplishment you are most proud of.
Bear Hugs was beyond honored to receive the Appreciation Award for Outstanding Community Outreach to Families. We were selected by the Stark County Prosecutor's Office and Stark County Victims' Rights Coalition.
One for fun: What is one thing that can instantly make your day better?
I can't stop smiling when one person calls in need of an item and another call sto donate it.
The process is simple: Give a hug to those who need a hug. It is truly a blessing and the most wonderful feeling to look back and realize that together we have served close to 3,000 people already this year.
Editor's note: Five questions with ... is a Sunday feature that showcases a member of the Stark County community. If you'd like to recommend someone to participate, send an email to newsroom@cantonrep.com.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: 5 questions with Katherine White, founder of Jackson Bear Hugs
