VyStar Credit Union and Ronald McDonald House are teaming up across Florida and Georgia to bring comfort to hospitalized children through a Teddy Bear Drive. From October 6-24, VyStar branches will serve as collection sites, making it easy for members and the community to donate a brand-new teddy bear.
When a child and their family arrive at Ronald McDonald House, it’s often during one of the most frightening and uncertain times of their lives. But before they even unpack, they’re greeted by a soft, smiling teddy bear, waiting patiently to offer a comforting cuddle.
An ongoing shortage of teddy bears at Ronald McDonald House locations means many families can’t receive this small but meaningful show of support. This drive helps replenish supplies so children who are arriving for care and their siblings have a comforting companion from day one. When people and organizations come together to help others, it creates a cascading effect that strengthens entire communities.
“This is community in action,” said Patricia McElroy, VyStar Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and VyStar Foundation President. “A new teddy bear can bring courage and calm in a scary moment. We’re inviting our members and the public to join us-in making a meaningful impact.”
The partnership spans multiple Ronald McDonald House locations in Florida and Georgia, including Jacksonville, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Orlando, Metro Atlanta, Savannah and Brunswick. The Ronald McDonald House in Jacksonville serves more than 1,500 families annually offering a safe and supportive environment near hospitals so families can stay close to their children during treatment.
“We are so grateful to VyStar for their generosity and community spirit,” said Joey Leik, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville. “Their Teddy Bear Drive not only brings comfort and joy to the children staying at our House, but it also reminds families they are surrounded by care and compassion. Partnerships like this truly make a difference in the lives of the families we serve.”
How to Help:
- Drop off new teddy bears at any VyStar Credit Union branch between October 6–24.
- Stuffed animals must be new
- No rhinestones, metal or vinyl snaps
- No buttons, removable ties, plastic parts or anything else that could be a choking hazard
- No zippers
- Follow VyStar and Ronald McDonald House on social media for updates and stories from the drive.
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About VyStar Credit Union
VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with 78 full-service branches across Florida and Georgia, 1 million members and assets of over $14 billion. VyStar is the top mortgage lender in Northeast Florida and a major employer in the region with over 2,300 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, and past and present military members and their families all over the world. VyStar members have access to 55,000 surcharge free ATMs worldwide. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.
About Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House’s mission is to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare. Each House is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of children by providing lodging, meals, transportation and a community of care to critically ill children and their families who need to be near a hospital for treatment
Vystar Credit Union
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Dawn Ofodile AVP, Regional Community Engagement
- October 09, 2025
- (904) 908-2666
- Send Email
