Got hugs?

If not, the Phil Bedder Bear has some to spare.

For the last month, an Orcas woman – whose identity will remain anonymous – has donned a soft, dark brown bear suit and dispensed hugs outside of Ray’s Pharmacy.

Phil Bedder Bear wraps her cuddly arms around anyone who walks by and welcomes the offer. The woman, who works at Ray’s Pharmacy, is outside the building from 3:30 to 4 p.m. every Thursday.

Her friend Donna McCoy acts as the spokesperson for Phil Bedder, explaining her purpose to those passing by.

“Some kids are afraid of her, so she lets them come up to her when they’re ready,” McCoy said. “Most people think there is a gimmick behind it, but it’s just free hugs. It brightens everybody’s day. This one little girl was so excited she was screaming and laughing. And the teenagers love it.

“It works out great. She has the perfect gestures and she tells me that I’m the perfect spokesperson. So we just teamed up really well.”

The duo will be at Kaleidoscope and Children’s House this week, and they appear once a month at the senior center’s birthday lunch.

“The seniors love it better than anyone,” McCoy said.

If anyone has a sick child at home or knows of someone in need of an embrace, look for a card at Ray’s Pharmacy with contact information or call McCoy at 376-5252.

“We’ll drive out to anyone who needs a hug,” McCoy said. “We’re not asking for anything, but people can give gas money if they want, although it’s not necessary.”