In celebration of the International Day of Play, Build-A-Bear has announced its Play It Forward initiative, a national program designed to share the power of play with children in need. For every make-your-own plush sold on June 11, Build-A-Bear will donate one furry friend to a child, up to 10,000 bears, through the Build-A-Bear Foundation. Donations will be directed to Title I schools, supporting classrooms and communities across the country.
The International Day of Play is recognized globally as a day to champion every child’s right to play, an essential part of healthy development and well-being. The Play It Forward effort reflects Build-A-Bear’s continued commitment to fostering comfort and connection through play, especially for underserved children.
“As a brand rooted in play and a proud member of The Toy Association, we believe in both the purpose and the power of this day,” says Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop and Chair of The Toy Association Board of Directors. “Play It Forward is our way of turning awareness into action, giving guests a simple, yet fun way to make a heartfelt impact on the life of a child.”
Additionally, the Build-A-Bear Foundation is partnering with First Book, a nonprofit focused on educational equity, to provide more than $80,000 in funding for health- and wellness-themed books and activities. Educators who use the funding may also receive surprise plush “reading buddies” for their classrooms, available while supplies last or until July 31.
To mark the day in stores, Build-A-Bear Workshops are offering special promotions, Bearemy character appearances, Mini Beans Toss games, and free activity sheets to encourage more ways to play.
Learn more at buildabear.com.
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