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In-Kind Donations

Since 1997, children and families around the world have made furry friends and memories at Build-A-Bear Workshop. Our mission is to “Add a little more Heart Illustration to life” and we strive to live it every day. From welcoming a new baby home, to the first day of school, to blowing out candles on the birthday cake, our furry friends have been right there by children’s sides. They have also given hugs after a scraped knee or a visit to the doctor. When a child is sick, scared or lonely and reaches for their teddy bear, Build-A-Bear is there.

We believe in the power of hugs and the simple comfort of having a furry friend by your side and we believe the joy of a teddy bear hug can make a difference. By providing teddy bear hugs to children who need them most, Build-A-Bear can help share hugs and comfort with those in need.

HUGS FOR HEROES

In the wake of a global pandemic, we are all deeply aware of the sacrifices that so many people make for their communities every day. In 2020, Build-A-Bear launched Hugs For Heroes, a program that honors everyday heroes and their commitment to make a difference by providing in-kind donations to relevant charitable organisations. Hugs For Heroes continues in 2021, as we spotlight new groups of heroes and shine a light on charities that amplify the importance of their work.

Hugs For Heroes will support organisations that…

  • Work to uplift children and families out of poverty
  • Conduct mentorship or emotional health programs for children facing trauma
  • Provide food and essential services to children in need
  • Provide emergency aid to children facing natural disasters
  • Support children with serious health conditions
  • Support children of active or fallen military
  • Support children in foster care

If you represent an organisation that pursues one or more of these goals and would like to distribute furry friends to the children you serve, we invite you to submit a request.

Donations are granted to organisations that most closely align with our mission on a first-come, first-served basis.

We can accommodate donation requests of 200 to 1,000 furry friends. All donated furry friends are stuffed, stitched and ready to hug. We cannot guarantee a specific style, and we are not able to donate the following: customized items, licensed products, coupons, promotional cards, gift cards, in-store parties/experiences, off-site events, unstuffed or unstitched furry friends, personalized tees, clothing, accessories, satin hearts, cub condos or other non-furry friend items.

DONATION REQUIREMENTS

Recipient organisation must be a tax-exempt, nonprofit organisation as defined by IRS Code 501(c)(3) or a registered charity in Canada and the United Kingdom. Recipient organisation must serve an area within 80 kilometers of a Build-A-Bear Workshop store. Donated bears must directly support children in programs that promote Build-A-Bear’s mission. We are unable to provide donations to individuals, families, fundraisers, raffles or auctions.

Click here to submit a donation request.

To learn more about Build-A-Bear donations and requirements, please visit our Charitable Giving FAQs.

LEGAL NOTICE

Build-A-Bear reserves the right to grant or deny an organisation’s application or participation at any time, for any reason, and to supplement or amend the Donation Guidelines at any time and without notice. Selections are made at the sole discretion of Build-A-Bear and are not subject to external review. Product cannot be returned or exchanged for credit. By completing the Build-A-Bear donation application, your organisation agrees to these conditions.