Adopt-A-Bear Adopt-A-Bear (November 26, 2004)

Caring through cuddling

Want to give a child something to cuddle this Christmas? Bears will be available for "adoption" at Valley Community Bank between Nov. 29 and Dec. 11. Make a donation and have your name attached to the bear, which will be delivered after Dec. 11 to Children's Hospital Oakland.

"Adoptive parents are asked to make monetary donations of any amount as their adoption fee," explained bank Vice President Cindy Chase, who is spearheading the effort for the ninth year.

The adoptions benefit the Taylor Family Foundation's Children Without Christmas; money from the "adoptions" are used for the Christmas party at Children's Hospital.

Most of the bears have been donated by a church that held a Bear Drive in mid-November. "But the public is welcome to make bear donations as well," said Chase. "Donated bears must be new and may be dropped off at any Valley Community Bank location until Dec. 11." The Pleasanton location is 464 Main St.

G.R. Doodlebug, 350 Main St., is participating by donating a portion of each purchase of a 20-inch "Brian" bear by Aurora to the Taylor Family Foundation if shoppers mention Adopt-A-Bear at the time of purchase.

"The Adopt-A-Bear campaign was so popular at the office last year that we decided to host it again this season," said bank President Rick Loupe. "Teddy bears and the holidays seem to go together, and everyone feels good about helping to make the season brighter for children who can't be at home with their families."

For more information about Adopt-A-Bear, call Chase at 580-4661. -Dolores Fox Ciardelli

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