Bank of American Fork collecting new stuffed animals

r Bank of American Fork is sponsoring the 17th annual Project Teddy Bear, a stuffed-animal drive that benefits at-risk children at the Utah Valley Family Support & Treatment Center, the Salt Lake Valley Family Support Center and the Family Connection Center in Clearfield. Through the project, stuffed animals are given to children during times of trauma and to aid in play therapy sessions.

Last year, Bank of American Fork employees, customers and community members collected 18,831 stuffed animals. This year’s goal is to surpass 4,000 new stuffed animals, which will allow every child served at the family-support centers and other organizations to receive one. The crisis centers can only accept new bears this year because of their health codes.

“We are fortunate to have so many people who care in the communities we serve and thank them for their past participation. We are asking those in our communities to help Bank of American Fork meet its goal of collecting 4,000 new teddy bears. Visit a toy store with your family and pick out a bear. Talk to your children and help them choose a stuffed animal and give them the opportunity to donate it at a branch,” said Richard Beard, Bank of American Fork CEO. “Each bear you donate is critical, but each represents an at-risk child here in Utah. We want a teddy bear in the arms of every child who needs one.”

To donate to Project Teddy Bear, drop off a new stuffed animal to any of Bank of American Fork’s 14 locations throughout Salt Lake, Utah, Davis and Washington counties through Dec. 13, including the branch located at 625 N. Main in Spanish Fork.