Fund established for trauma bears
By MATT NEWHOUSE
News Editor
A fund has been established to help buy teddy bears and other items for law enforcement officers to use when children are involved in a traumatic incident.
Diana Williams, an independent sales contractor for Avon, set up the "Bear Friends" account at Tampa State Bank.
A number of businesses helped create the fund, including Country Inn Motel, Stone City Café, Carlsons' IGA, Ron's Cleaners, Kingfisher's Inn, Jim Davis Plumbing and Electric, Main Street Flowers, Tampa State Bank, Central National Bank, Webster's Auto, Mike's Service Center, HRK, Marion County Record, and Mrs. Regina Vinduska.
Tuesday afternoon, Williams presented Marion Police Chief David Mayfield and Marion County Sheriff Lee Becker with Twelve "Billy Bud, the Favorite Things Teddy" bears.
The soft brown bears say several phrases. Each comes with a box of holiday-themed items, such as a flag and jack-o-lantern.
Officers will give them to children injured in an accident or dealing with severe stress, such as a domestic incident or assault.
Becker said officers have pencils, stickers, and similar items for children, but don't usually have something soft. Children who are scared, hurting, and not understanding the situation will be comforted by clutching the soft toy.
"We could have used one just the other night," he said.
Misty Jack, Hutchinson, Avon supervisor, said the bears provided a valuable tool for officers. Her brother is a law enforcement officer in Wichita.
"They're always scrambling for things to give to kids," she said. She made the suggestion at a meeting of sales associates, and Williams "took it, ran with it, and made it her own," Jack said.
Williams went an extra step, buying enough batteries so each bear will speak.
Twelve bears are enough to outfit each Marion and sheriff patrol car. The fund is designed to replenish the supply as items are given away.
"We want to keep this going for the little ones," Williams said. "One of these days, they'll be the ones taking care of us."
