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Build-A-Bear Gives Books and Bears

By: Build-A-Bear Workshop |  0 Shares     58 Reads

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 28, 2023 // PRNewswire // - Build-A-Bear Foundation continues its mission to add a little more heart to life by sharing hugs, inspiring creativity, and helping children and families in need. With expanded partnerships and a promise to donate one million books and 100,000 bears through First Book by 2027, the organization has further established its focus on children's literacy as a core pillar of its charitable work.

Research has illustrated the positive influence of stuffed animals in a learning setting, while exposure to books has been shown to expand vocabulary and lay the groundwork for better reading skills in life. Build-A-Bear Foundation has embraced both of these concepts and is partnering with experts to create opportunities for kids most in need of educational support.

Build-A-Bear Foundation has impacted over half a million kids in 2022 and 2023 through its partnership with First Book and with initiatives like the "Buy A Bear, Give A Bear" promotion on National Teddy Bear Day. Additionally, everyday purchases of Build-A-Bear's Read Teddy support the organization's core pillar of giving as a portion of these proceeds go to supporting the foundation's literacy work by helping children and families achieve their best futures.

Consumers are invited to join the cause this Giving Tuesday and throughout this season via in-store pin pad donations and online donations, as well as by making a purchase of Build-A-Bear's Read Teddy.

Expanded Partnerships

The longstanding partnership between Build-A-Bear Foundation and First Book began several years ago and reignited in 2022 for a five-year commitment, reflects a joint pledge to inspire creativity through reading. Since the kickoff of our most recent partnership in 2022, Build-A-Bear Foundation has donated 225,000 books through First Book over the last two years. The two organizations committed to reach even more children and agreed to distribute one million books to kids who need them most over the next five years together. They will also find 100,000 furry friend Reading Buddies new homes by 2027.

"We are thrilled to share the joy of literacy through the donations of books and bears to children across the globe," said Chris Hurt, President of Build-A-Bear Foundation. "As Build-A-Bear grows, our responsibility to our core value of GIVE grows with us. Through the next few years, we plan on continuing our focus on ambitious bear and book donations and heartfelt partnerships to support those in need. Our teams make all of this possible – along with every donation by guests and associates – and Build-A-Bear Foundation is given more opportunities to make furry friends a force for good everywhere."

In addition to its work with First Book, Build-A-Bear Foundation has formed partnerships with international organizations and projects local to their global headquarters. Through donations of funds and furry friends to U.K. charity BookTrust, the Foundation is helping BookTrust encourage children and families from low-income backgrounds to read and share stories together.

The Foundation also sponsors literacy labs in the U.S. to inspire learning spaces with inclusive stories. Through these efforts, Build-A-Bear Foundation is contributing to the broader mission of ensuring that children have access to the resources, skills, and support they need to develop a lifelong love of learning.

Bears for Books With Read Teddy

Build-A-Bear continues to offer Read Teddy through Giving Tuesday and beyond. The lovable furry friend – a classic brown bear with super soft fur and an irresistibly cute smile – encourages a love for reading and creativity. For every Read Teddy purchased in North America, Build-A-Bear will donate $1 to Build-A-Bear Foundation in support of First Book.

National Teddy Bear Day

As a result of the recent "Buy A Bear, Give A Bear" event held on National Teddy Bear Day in September 2023, 50,000 bears were donated, benefiting children and classrooms in need. Beneficiaries include First Book, BookTrust, Soles4Souls, and more.

SOURCE Build-A-Bear

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