Health & Human Services
In times of crisis, the Pioneers are there to help. From stocking food banks during natural disasters to providing gifts for children in need during the holidays, no need is too big or too small.
The Hug-A-Bears program is a decades old Pioneers project that provides soft, cuddly bears for children who are in traumatic situations. These bears ride along with police and firefighters across the United States and Canada. The bears have also been spotted in hospitals and nursing homes, providing comfort and a reminder of the Pioneer spirit.
Dish It Up is a massive volunteer initiative to provides families in need with healthy food. Pioneers collect healthy, nutritious, nonperishable food donations for local food banks. Filling backpacks with healthy snacks or easy to prepare weekend food for children is one of the shining examples of how the Pioneers answer the call of those in need in their community.