CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- An 11-year-old from South Carolina won the 2015 Belkie Bear design contest held at Belk's SantaFest event last year. The bear was unveiled at Belk's SantaFest today. Abigail's design was selected from more than 1,000 applicants.

As the grand prize winner of last year's contest, Abigail's design was used in creating a new Belkie Charity Bear, with $5 of the proceeds from the sale of the bear going to the United Service Organizations (USO). This charity was chosen by the winner's response to the contest question, "I want my Belkie Bear to help..."

Based on the judges' selection, Abigail received 10 custom Belkie Charity Bears created based on her design, along with a $500 Belk shopping spree.  A Belkie Bear and $500 Belk shopping spree were also awarded to finalist winners in each of the three age categories:  4 – 6; 7 – 9 and 10 – 11.

The new 2015 Charity Bear will be available in most stores and online at www.belk.com. Kids are able to enter the contest to design the 2016 Belkie Charity Bear today at SantaFest from noon to 3 p.m. in all Belk stores.

About Belk, Inc.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk, Inc. (www.belk.com) is the nation's largest family owned and operated department store company with 296 Belk stores located in 16 Southern states and a growing digital presence.  Its belk.com website offers a wide assortment of national brands and private label fashion apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family along with top name cosmetics, a wedding registry and a large selection of quality merchandise for the home. Founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, N.C., the company is in the third generation of Belk family leadership and has been committed to community involvement since its inception. In the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015, the company and its associates, customers and vendors donated more than $21.5 million to communities within Belk market areas.

Belk offers many ways to connect via digital and social media, including Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Google Plus, and provides exclusive offers, fashion updates, sales notifications and coupons via email or mobile phone text messages. Customers can also download the latest Belk mobile apps for the iPad, iPhone or Android.

About the USO
The USO strengthens America's military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, we are united in our commitment to connect our service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort, and support. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. To join us in this important mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit uso.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151113/287136
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151113/287137

SOURCE Belk, Inc.