DONATOS Savannah, a locally owned pizza company, announces a month-long fundraising campaign with Hugaroo Inc. Georgia, a non profit who gives new stuffed animals to local children who have experienced a life threatening illness or traumatic experience. Both locations at 111 Jazie Drive Whitemarsh Island and 5405 Waters Avenue Savannah will participate in the October fundraising.

DONATOS Co-Owner Adam Kurena states, “We jumped at the chance to work with a new non-profit dedicated to providing stuffed animals to children in need. For the month of October, we will donate a dollar from every Party Twist we sell to Hugaroo. This is another example of helping the community to provide for the less fortunate.”

“Hugaroo Inc. began in 2007. Our CEO Roberta Harper’s daughter died of a rare childhood cancer. When she was in the hospital for treatments she was given a stuffed animal. She hugged and loved it when she was in pain and it gave her a lot of comfort. That's how it all began. Also- Doctors sometimes use the stuffed animals to explain the procedures to the children whether it’s a cast, X-ray or port. It makes them less scared and comforts them,” shares Jeanie Fischer, Hugaroo Inc, Georgia Regional Director. “Our goal is to collect stuffed animals for all children because ‘every child needs a hug’”.

Part of Donatos Mission and Promise is to be a good neighbor. In fact, Donatos comes from the Latin word for “to give a good thing.” That means giving back to the local community through a well-planned, strategic, focused initiative and being a strong support for the community. “Hugaroo is new here in Savannah and we wanted to work with a non-profit that shared the same vision to create a stronger, supportive community,” adds Kurena.