Ears Over Fears

It was Christmas in July at the Howard County Association of REALTORS® (HCAR), which collected hundreds of items for the Ears Over Fears Program’s special Christmas in July campaign.

Jess Beard’s Ears Over Fears is a Respite Retreats Program and provides a fun craft activity where kids battling cancer get to design their own ears. They can pick from a selection of colored headbands and ears and then assemble and decorate them using stickers, markers, gems, feathers, and other colorful items. The ears are worn as a reminder that the kids are stronger than their fears. Respite Retreats is an organization based in Howard County that provides retreats of respite to cancer patients, their caregivers, and families.

HCAR, in partnership with its nonprofit HCAR Cares, collected hundreds of items – from hair bows to glue sticks to super hero capes, and much more. In total, HCAR and HCAR Cares donated enough items to make about 100 Ears Over Fears boxes.

“We were thrilled to partner with Respite Retreats for this amazing project, and we are grateful for their efforts help children facing a very scary chapter in their lives,” said HCAR Cares President Donna Weaver.

“Children who battle cancer are stronger than they can imagine, and HCAR is proud to be a part of an effort to help them realize that strength,” said HCAR President Shirley Matlock. “Thank you so much to all of our members and community partners who donated to the Christmas in July campaign.”