For the third consecutive year, Build-A-Bear and the American Red Cross are partnering to provide bear hugs to families when disaster strikes.
The American Red Cross will receive a donation from Build-A-Bear of several thousand furry friends, which the organization will distribute during disaster-relief operations throughout the year.
May 2 through May 29, Build-A-Bear Workshop guests can also donate to the nonprofit organization at checkout in stores and online. All donations will go directly to the American Red Cross to help support children of families recovering from disasters. The 2019 campaign kicks off with a “Stuffed With Hugs” event at all U.S. stores on Saturday, May 4. Guests can make plush pals free of charge to be donated.
Last year, its disaster workers—90 percent of whom were volunteers—helped millions during the second consecutive year of a record number of wildfires, hurricanes and other large crises. They did so all while responding day and night to home fires in communities across the country.
All furry friends made during the “Stuffed with Hugs” event will be allocated to five Red Cross Disaster Field Supply Centers in Reno, Nev.; St. Louis, Mo.; Carlisle, Penn.; Atlanta, Ga.; and Dallas, Texas, from which the organization can quickly access and distribute to children as needs arise.
Once again, Build-A-Bear Workshop is expanding the partnership and “Stuffed With Hugs” event on a global scale. In 2019, Build-A-Bear will also donate teddy bears to the Irish Red Cross and will host events at the Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in Dublin on May 11.