Teddy Bears Wanted for Ninth Annual Festival of Trees

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Sept. 2, 2015 - PRLog -- Join Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. in collecting new, stuffed teddy bears to decorate the “A Very Beary Christmas” tree as part of the ninth annual Festival of Trees. The 9-ft tree has been a staple of the organization’s annual event since its inception in 2006.

Comprised of bears donated by the community, the tree is one of many beautifully decorated trees that are auctioned off at the Festival’s signature event, the Tux & Trees Gala on December 5. Auction guests gather around this special tree to raise money for The Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation.  The tree is then traditionally donated to a children’s hospital.

“Last year we had over 500 teddy bears donated,” says Madison Mitchell, spokesperson at Goodwill. “We hope to reach that number again this year with the support of individuals and businesses in the community.”

Goodwill’s goal is to collect the bears by November 20, in time for the start of the Festival of Trees, which is held at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, in December.

“We encourage local businesses to hold mini-bear drives of their own,” says Mitchell. “To see the faces of the children and families that come through the Festival and see the bear tree; it’s magical.”

Those interested in donating to the drive may drop their teddy bears off at the Goodwill Boutique on First (2401 First Street, Fort Myers) or call (239)995-2106 ext. 2213.

If you are interested in hosting a teddy bear drive contact Madison Mitchell at (239)995-2106 ext. 2213 or email MadisonMitchell@goodwillswfl.org. For more information on the Festival of Trees and Tux & Trees Gala visit www.tuxandtrees.com .

Last year’s Festival and Gala raised $90,000 to support The Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation, which provides long-term financial support to programs and services of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. is committed to assisting people with disabilities and disadvantages by providing life-changing opportunities to achieve independence. Last year, Goodwill was able to assist over 37,000 people across Southwest Florida. For more information about Goodwill visit www.goodwillswfl.org

-30-