Teacher’s passion for students inspires a cuddly donation from Reebie Allied

When teacher Kim Griffin heard that her husband’s company, Reebie Allied,  was planning a special donation of Build-A-Bears for a non profit organization,  she naturally shared her enthusiasm about GiGi’s Playhouses.   Griffin has been touched by teaching children with Down syndrome over the years and several of her students attend programs at GiGi’s Playhouse Fox Valley.

Her husband, Kevin Griffin, reports “When Kim heard that GiGi’s had been selected it brought tears to her eyes.  The Reebie Allied team was inspired to learn more about children with Down syndrome and all that GiGi’s does to raise awareness and empower individuals with Down syndrome through the services they provide!”

Reebie Allied employees donated a portion and the company matched to complete the purchase of fifty bears, their outfits and their bear condo and even held a ‘dress up’ party to get the bears ready for delivery.

The night of the donation was spectacular as the bears arrived in a giant box on one of the Allied trucks.  Children gathered around as the Reebie Allied employees introduced each bear to their new best friend and the Playhouse was filled with smiles and laughter!

Reebie Allied team member, Patrcia Licata was one of the people behind the effort to bring the bears to our center and shares, “It was the best part of the holiday for me.  This was so much fun to see all the children playing and interacting!  What amazing children and families!”

One of the recipients, Isabel Richmond,  began to read to her new furry friend immediately.  Her mother, Kristin Richmond shares “What a sweet way to show our children that you care.  Isabel loves to read to her stuffed animal friends, and her new bear friend makes a great listener!”

Thank you Reebie Allied for making a special memory for our children and for sharing your enthusiasm with us.