A Bit About
Beads of Courage
Bead Donation
In the Beads of Courage program, there are currently 300 hospitals in nine countries, and an estimated 50,000 members receive beads daily.
If you have ever wondered what exactly happens to the beads we donate to Beads of Courage, you aren’t alone. Jean Gribbon, the founder and Executive Director was our guest speaker in May, and shared some great information with us.
Once you have made the beads, you mail them – packaged for the least jostling so less chance of breakage – along with a bead donation form. When the beads are received at the BOC headquarters, they are inspected and sorted by a group of volunteers.
Large “juicy”/decorative beads are used as transplant beads, including bone marrow and whole organ transplants. Medium beads are used as Act of Courage Beads, smaller beads are also used in the program – Jean says ALL beads can be used. They need beads, all shapes and sizes! After being sorted, the beads are packaged up to be sent out to where they are needed.
Hearts are always needed, especially for cardiac patients, and they are given for heart transplants. When asked, Jean told us the hole can be vertical or horizontal, and they are very meaningful in the program. The hearts can formed by hand or in a press, all will be used. Jean did tell us the purple heart “end of treatment” beads are now manufactured for BOC for uniformity so they will be easily recognized.
Textured beads are popular too, especially with blind or sight impaired kids. Jean reminded us to keep the texture to what is durable, nothing fragile or easily broken.
There are specific needs for various programs too, such as the Carry a Bead program. BOC always gladly accepts donated pairs, but they do offer to pay for a sample that may lead to a custom order which can also be paid.
If you are interested in making beads for the Carry A Bead program, this PDF gives more information on making the beads for Carry Beads.
You can also buy a set of Carry a Bead kits, containing everything except the beads. You supply the beads and sell the sets (or give them away as gifts!). You keep the profit from the sold kits. The kids love to receive carried beads! You can get more information and order the kits here.
So send in those beads, whatever size or shape. Perfectly shaped & decorated are great, but also include those a bit wonky & maybe not so perfect in your eyes (but treasure to a child) – as long as they are durable and don’t have sharp ends or delicate parts that might break off – they will be used!
Oh, and don’t forget – there are girls and boys and kids of various ages in the program, so variety is great!
Happy torching, and remember members can Zoom and torch for BOC on 1st Saturday of the month (or just come in and say hello if you can’t Zoom at your torch!)
And remember, the Champions Challenge is ongoing all year!