Huggable 2013 Art Van Furniture Charity Bear Makes Holidays Happier For Children And Charities

WARREN, Mich., Nov. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Art Van Furniture 2013 Charity Bear has arrived sporting a brand new look. Classically styled with light brown fur dressed in a red knit sweater with white snowflakes, the snuggly stocking stuffer is sure to bring smiles to children's faces and much needed monetary support from sales to benefit the retailer's 150 Million Dollar Charity Challenge partners. The collectible 2013 Charity Bear is available now through January 1, 2014 at all 35 Art Van Furniture stores in Michigan, Chicagoland, Ohio and Indiana.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131111/DE14385)

Art Van Furniture first introduced the Art Van Charity Bear in 2010 as a festive way to give back to the community. Each stuffed animal retails for $29.95, and all proceeds from sales of stuffed animals benefit an Art Van's Million Dollar Charity Challenge partner of the guests' choosing.

"The Art Van Charity Bear has become a beloved tradition of the Art Van Furniture family," said Gary Van Elslander, president of Art Van Furniture. "It brings joy to those who receive it as a holiday gift, and keeps on giving by supporting charities doing good work for so many in the community."

Now in its third consecutive year, the Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge continues its positive impact on Michigan charitable organizations. Since its inception, the program's challenge component has raised an impressive $17 million to maximize giving potential and provide further assistance to the charities.

About Art Van Furniture

Art Van Furniture is the Midwest's largest furniture retailer and America's largest independent furniture retailer. The company operates 35 stores throughout Michigan, five stores in Chicagoland, one store in Toledo, Ohio, a full service e-commerce website, plus 39 freestanding Art Van PureSleep bedding stores in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Founded in 1959, the company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Michigan. Visit artvan.com for more information.

SOURCE Art Van Furniture