AMARILLO, TEXAS -- The March of Dimes does year round research to help prevent birth defects, premature births and infant mortality, but they wouldn't be able to fund that research without the help of the community.
Ever year the People's Federal Credit Union helps raise funds to support the March of Dimes.
"In the United States one out of eight babies are born prematurely, so it's a huge issue for our country around here in the panhandle as well, so we really make it a priority to fundraiser for the March of Dimes," said People's Federal Credit Union Marketing Director, Kenja Purkey.
As part of this year's fundraiser the credit union will be selling sock monkey's, some with college mascots, others with Valentine's Day messages, but this isn't the only things they do to help the organization.
"We have different events like the chili cook-offs, bake sales, we so all sorts of events during the times of February through April, leading up to money day."
The credit union and March of Dimes have a corporate partnership for $7,500 but fundraisers like this one can add up to as much as a $10,000 donation.
"If it wasn't for fundraising from local companies, obviously we wouldn't be able to do the research and the advocacy programs we have in place here in Amarillo," said March of Dimes Community Director, Carla O'Neal.
The March for Babies kick off is February 16th, and the actual March will be on April 28th.
O'Neal says this year their goal is to raise $350,000.
If you interested in buying one of the sock monkeys their cost is $10, the hats are $12 and any other stuffed animals will cost $8.
