"The St. Jude bears have become a holiday tradition at 7-Eleven, and we expect the new
puppies to be just as popular, if not more so, with our customers," said Terry McGill, nonfoods category manager at 7-Eleven. "These collectible toys are created exclusively for 7-Eleven, and we have a new one each year that you won't find anywhere else. During the holidays, it's an ideal way to support such an important children's charity and give someone a new friend."
7-Eleven was among the first retailers to offer a plush bear as part of the annual Thanks and Giving campaign, offering a different bear in each of the previous years it has been involved with St. Jude. To the oatmeal- and golden brown-colored bears, 7-Eleven adds yellow and black Lab puppies this year, each with the St. Jude logo embroidered on one paw and a matching green ribbon and bow around its neck.
"The children of St. Jude, their moms and dads, and I are thrilled to welcome back 7-Eleven stores to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Thanks & Giving campaign" said Marlo Thomas, national outreach director for St. Jude. "7-Eleven's dedication to this holiday campaign helps ensure that St. Jude can continue the lifesaving research and care that has brought hope to so many families."
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization.
The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Thanks & Giving national campaign is a union of celebrities, media, retail and corporate partners that ask consumers to "Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not." The Thanks and Giving initiative was created in 2004 by Marlo Thomas and her siblings Terre and Tony Thomas, children of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas. Funds raised by the campaign support the lifesaving work of St. Jude: to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. St Jude impacts the lives of children in communities across the country.
Dallas-based 7 Eleven operates, franchises or licenses 7,600 7-Eleven stores in North America. Globally, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 35,000 stores in 17 countries. During 2007, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales of more than $46.6 billion.
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