Sept. 9, 2025

This piece is sponsored by Central Bank.

In almost 30 years of running The Teddy Bear Den, executive director Sandy Lown has never seen numbers like this.

“We hit record enrollment — numbers I never thought I would see,” she said.

At the end of 2024, 1,592 economically disadvantaged women were enrolled in the organization’s programming, which offers incentives and rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

That number now has climbed to 1,809 women.

“As Sioux Falls grows, so does the assistance people need,” Lown said.

And there’s a lot of need: It’s estimated that 39 percent of South Dakota children grow up in low-income families.

Women enroll at The Teddy Bear Den when they’re expecting a baby and stay until the child is 2 years old. They’re often receiving government assistance and are referred by health care providers, clinics, social services agencies, schools and treatment centers.

In return for attending medical appointments, quitting smoking and making other healthy choices, women earn points toward incentive items such as diapers, baby wipes, clothing, high chairs, strollers, cribs and mattresses.

But while women are signing up more than ever before, the rate of donations doesn’t always keep pace.

“Things always slow down donation-wise in the summer but not with moms,” Lown said. “Our numbers just keep growing.”

So when Central Bank stepped up recently to support The Teddy Bear Den, it came at an ideal time.

“Several of our employees have been supporting The Teddy Bear Den through various service organizations for a few years, and they recommended we select The Teddy Bear Den for our annual service event,” said Mark Ellerbusch, branch manager of the location at 2104 W. 12th St.

“We really appreciate and are inspired by what The Teddy Bear Den does for the Sioux Falls community. They offer support to every woman who reaches out, empowering her throughout pregnancy and into motherhood.”

In addition to contributions from its team, Central Bank hosted a community diaper drive for donations at its three Sioux Falls locations.

“We were blown away by the generosity of our customers and employees. Customers were making special trips to the bank, even without any business to transact, to add to the stacks and stacks of donated diapers,” Ellerbusch said.

“These incredible donations, made without any hesitation, are a testament to the history and mission of The Teddy Bear Den. Sioux Falls is a wonderful community because we stand behind one another, and The Teddy Bear Den is an amazing outlet for people to volunteer and give back.”

Central Bank’s ownership then matched the cash donations for a total of $1,301.90.

“I’m truly proud to work for Central Bank because of our commitment to the communities we serve,” Ellerbusch said.

The impact was huge, Lown said.

“It came at a fantastic time for us,” she said. “We earmarked the cash donation for incentive items that moms can purchase, and the community drive donated mostly size 5 and 6 diapers, which we were really in need of, as well as a few other incentive items.”

Since the fundraiser, at least one additional Central Bank employee has joined The Teddy Bear Den as a volunteer.

“When I needed help moving a bunch of cribs we were able to to buy at Walmart, a team from Central Bank helped us move them,” Lown said. “Once we establish those relationships, often people say they want to keep doing things with us.”

There are plenty of ways to support The Teddy Bear Den’s mission. Its annual Birdies for Babies golf tournament is coming up Sept. 26, and cash donations always are appreciated.

“And we’re gearing up for winter, so new winter clothing is always a need,” Lown said. “Our goal is to be an organization that supports itself. We hear from health care providers that what we do is making a difference. Women and children are actually attending their appointments, and that’s the biggest advantage in terms of their health and their children’s health.”