Sometimes, the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference. Recently in Plano, Texas, that difference came in the form of teddy bears—soft, simple, and powerful symbols of comfort—delivered to children facing difficult moments in a hospital setting.

In partnership with the Plano Police Department and Children’s Medical Center Plano, Shutterfly helped bring more than 270 teddy bears and stuffed animals to young patients as part of the department’s Teddy Bear Program, a community initiative designed to offer reassurance when it’s needed most.

A Program Built on Compassion
For years, Plano police officers have carried teddy bears in their patrol cars, ready to offer them to children experiencing fear or uncertainty.

This spring, that mission extended beyond the streets and into the halls of Children’s Medical Center Plano, where officers and Shutterfly team members personally delivered stuffed animals to patients, offering not just gifts, but connection and care.
Children were invited to name their new companions, pose for photos, and share a moment of joy—turning what can be an overwhelming environment into something just a little bit brighter.

Powered by the Plano Shutterfly Community
This effort is part of a broader commitment from the Plano chapter of the Shutterfly Foundation, established when the Plano facility opened in 2020 to support local communities in meaningful, hands-on ways.

Over the past few years, Plano-based employees have contributed both time and resources—donating several hundred volunteer hours and helping direct nearly $60,000 back into the community through partnerships with local organizations.

The teddy bear initiative itself reflects that same spirit. Now in its second year with the Plano Police Department, the team collected more than 270 bears from employees—each one a small act of kindness that adds up to something much bigger for the children receiving them.

A Larger Commitment to Giving Back
This local effort is part of a broader mission across Shutterfly and the Shutterfly Foundation to support the communities where employees live and work.

In 2025 alone, Shutterfly contributed more than $350,000 in cash donations, nearly $35,000 in in-kind contributions, and engaged close to 200 volunteers who gave more than 2,600 hours of their time.

Together, these efforts reflect a simple belief: that all members of our communities should have access to life’s unforgettable moments, whether through a large-scale initiative or a single teddy bear placed in a child’s arms.

Read the full story from the Plano Star Courier here:
Plano police, Shutterfly bring teddy bears to young patients