CLARK FREEPORT -- Hundreds of kids from Olongapo City received bear toys from SM Olongapo Central.

About 474 students from the New Cabalan Elementary School and Boton Elementary School received “Bears of Joy” from SM Olongapo Central volunteers.

The students and staff from both schools thanked the shopping mall for its initiative.

“This is the first time that our school became a recipient of such a wonderful project, thank you SM and thank you to those who partake in this project,” Amalia Abayan, principal at Boton Elementary School, said.

The distribution of bear toys is a yearly activity of all SM Supermalls in the country.

Every year, SM bear toys were given to chosen beneficiaries mostly those who are abandoned kids, and kids with special needs.

“The act of giving kindles self-esteem and brings happiness. The best way to start a new year is to share something to someone in need,” SM Olongapo Central said in a statement. (PR)