Frequently Asked Questions
[FAQ]
General questions
A heartbeat bear is a soft stuffed animal with a recordable module inside that stores up to 30 seconds of a loved one's heartbeat, voice, or message—so families can hold on to that sound forever.
Every bear is completely free for families. Kyle's Kritters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded entirely by donations from our incredible community.
A gift of $50 funds one complete Heartbeat Bear for a grieving family. Your donation ensures this keepsake is delivered free of charge, directly at the bedside, at the moment they need it most.
Yes. Kyle's Kritters Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 93-3464373). We are committed to full transparency, and your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
We are deeply grateful for community support! You can express your interest in volunteering by filling out the form on our 'Contact' page and entering "Volunteering" in the Subject line. Our team will reach out with upcoming opportunities to help prepare bears.
Our mailing address is PO Box 204885, Augusta, GA 30917. If you are mailing a specific donor gift, please reach out via our contact form first so we can coordinate your generous contribution.
For collaboration or media inquiries, please use the form on our Contact page and enter "Collaboration or Media Inquiry." Our Founder, Mendy Tootle, reads every message personally and will respond promptly.
[FAQ]
Sponsorships and Partnerships
We would be honored to bring Heartbeat Bears to your facility. Hospital administrators or bereavement coordinators can reach out via our Partnership page or our by selecting "Hospital or Hospice Partnership on our Contact page." For a more direct line, you can also call our team at (706) 399-7323.
Kyle's Kritters currently partners with Doctors Hospital, Piedmont Augusta, and the Medical College of Georgia. We provide bears at zero cost to the families served by these facilities, and we are actively looking to expand our reach to other CSRA hospitals.
Corporate sponsors are vital to sustaining and expanding our mission so that no family leaves the hospital empty-handed. To become a corporate sponsor, please fill out our Sponsor Inquiry contact form and select "Becoming a Sponsor." We will follow up to discuss how your organization can make a direct, tangible impact.
Corporate sponsors and community partners benefit from meaningful community engagement, increased brand visibility through our upcoming donor recognition tiers, and the profound satisfaction of supporting families during their hardest moments.