121 Financial Credit Union and the Jumbo Shrimp mascots, Scampi and Southpaw, delivered more than 120 teddy bears to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville (RMHC Jacksonville) for the children RMHC Jacksonville serves.
121 Financial Credit Union’s employees and members purchased and donated the teddy bears at the credit union’s eight local branches during its “Teddies for Tykes” drive in October. The “Teddies for Tykes” drive was hosted to benefit RMHC Jacksonville, which supports the health and well-being of children by providing lodging and other services for critically ill, chronically ill and seriously injured children and their families. RMHC Jacksonville welcomes every child, whether they are a patient or sibling, with a new stuffed friend to hug and love upon their arrival at the Ronald McDonald House.
“Thank you to 121 Financial Credit Union for hosting a teddy bear drive for our children,” said David Shaffer, chief executive officer at Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville. “We go through a lot of stuffed animals very quickly, and sometimes donations can’t keep up. This campaign helped ensure that children coming to our House at a very difficult time, will have a ‘friend’ to help them feel better when they need it most.”
“Teddy bears have brought warmth, comfort and have fueled the imaginations of children for generations, and they have that magical ability to bring joy to children of all ages to this day,” said David Marovich, chief executive officer for 121 Financial Credit Union, who also serves on the Board of Directors for RMHC Jacksonville. “This is particularly important for critically ill children and their families, who are coming to the Ronald McDonald House during an exceptionally vulnerable time in their lives. If we’re able to help bring even just one smile to a child’s face, it is more than worth it.”
