Left to right: Shanna Stanley, Caring House Child Advocacy Center; Tanya DalSanto, Max Frorenza, Matt Lutz, First National Bank & Trust; Jennifer Witte, Salvation Army; Michelle Miron, DCHS Emergency Department; Geno Basanese, Michigan State Police; Dickinson County Sheriff Scott Rutter; Joe Hruska, Breitung Township Fire Department; Cole Grenier, First National Bank & Trust.
Kneeling in front, left to right: Karla Lehmann, Caring House Child Advocacy Center; Mikki Hall, First National Bank & Trust.
First National Bank and Trust’s Project Teddy Bear initiative was started with the goal of collecting new stuffed toys for donation to local area emergency responders, charities, crisis centers and medical facilities. Studies show that giving a toy provides comfort, reduces anxiety and offers a distraction to a potentially traumatic experience for a child. When given by a first responder or healthcare worker it can also help build trust.
Project Teddy Bear kicked off December 7th with the 3rd Annual Bring-a-Bear Teddy Bear Toss Kingsford hockey event, co-sponsored by First National Bank & Trust and Radio Now 100.7 FM, and continued throughout December. At the completion of the drive, over 250 new stuffed toys were collected and bank employees were able to make several pre-Christmas donations to area organizations. On Friday, January 10th, local emergency and crisis services representatives met at First National Bank & Trust’s downtown location to receive donations collected by Project Teddy Bear.
“The Teddy Bear Toss was once again a great success benefitting a great cause. While the emergency responders were receiving the donations they shared personal stories of how much of a positive impact a teddy bear can have on children involved in crisis situations,” said Matthew Lutz, CFO of First National Bank & Trust. “We are very honored to be able to assist in making a positive difference to help comfort children during these difficult times. This was our third annual Project Teddy Bear drive and we look forward to continuing and growing it every year.”
Project Teddy Bear is part of First National Bank and Trust’s ongoing dedication to supporting and strengthening our community.
