BREWER — On Monday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. local youth leader Dorian “D-Max” Pillsbury will host a Teddy Bear Drive at Brewer High School as part of Youth Night with the Brewer Athletic Department, collecting teddy bears for the Boys & Girls Club of Bangor.
For years the Boys & Girls Club of Bangor gifted every child a Birthday Bear to help make their special day feel celebrated. When the Club ran out of bears, the tradition had to pause. Club leaders asked Dorian if he would be willing to help bring it back — and he didn’t hesitate.
“I love birthdays, so I want to make sure every kid has a birthday bear on their special day,” said Dorian.
The drive will take place during Youth Night festivities, where community members are encouraged to bring new or gently loved teddy bears to donate. Dorian will be joined by his Brewer Middle School basketball team, who will help collect bears and support the effort as a team.
Dorian, known locally as D-Max, is a young author, entrepreneur and nationally recognized Little League Community Hero, with a growing reputation for leading youth-driven service projects that bring communities together. This drive continues his commitment to helping kids feel seen, supported, and celebrated. The drive has already received early community support, with Penquis and the Bangor Breakfast Kiwanis donating more than 70 teddy bears to help relaunch the Birthday Bear tradition.
The Brewer Athletic Department is proud to partner with Dorian to highlight youth leadership and service during Youth Night, reinforcing the importance of teamwork both on and off the court.
Event Details: Location: Brewer High School
Date: Monday, Jan. 19
Time: 5 p.m.
Event: Youth Night with Brewer Athletic Department
What to Bring: New or gently loved teddy bears
All donated teddy bears will be delivered to the Boys & Girls Club of Bangor to help restore the Birthday Bear tradition and ensure every child’s birthday is met with a little extra joy.
The D-Max Birthday Bear Project is a youth-led initiative founded by 13-year-old author and community leader Dorian “D-Max” Pillsbury. Through books, school programs and community partnerships, the project helps restore meaningful traditions and empowers students to lead with purpose, kindness, and courage.
Learn more at www.thedmax.com.
