|
News
| Exchange Club collecting new stuffed animals |
|
NEWBURYPORT — The Exchange Club of Greater Newburyport is collecting new stuffed animals throughout the month of March to be presented to area police and fire departments for use with children at accident scenes or in other traumatic or emotional situations.
“We use the bears to calm children,” said officer Eric Forni of West Newbury at last year’s presentation. “It can be a scary moment when I stick my head in a car window. A bear takes a child’s mind off what’s going on.”
“Your contributions have a huge impact, not just in abuse but in any tragedy,” said Salisbury police Chief Thomas Fowler. “Our building can be very scary. The bears comfort children. I know from first-hand experience how much they are appreciated.”
“The bears break the barrier,” agreed officer Joshua Sindoni of Groveland. “I know first-hand from when I was a boy. I still have that bear.”
The club also presents coloring supplies for use by children while being interviewed or while their parents are being interviewed.
Newburyport City Marshal Mark Murray said, “We use the bears in accident and domestic abuse instances. We use the coloring books in our lobby. They are useful tools. We appreciate them.”
Stuffed animals also go to local fire departments.
“I’ve been in charge of bears for 14 years,” said Deputy Chief Steve Bradbury of the Newburyport Fire Department. “We do a checklist of equipment, including the bears. Ten bears are in service at all times. We’ve given them out on numerous occasions.”
Concluded Newburyport Mayor Donna Holaday, “These stuffed animals are one more piece available for families and children. I can only imagine the fear of a child, his home up in flames. To reach out to a young child is important — and very clever.”
For health reasons, stuffed animals must be new. For donation pickups or questions, contact Tracey Garbers.
Donations may also be dropped off at the two Institution for Savings offices in Newburyport, the Newburyport Bank on the Green in Newbury, the Newburyport Senior Center, Kelly’s Taylor Rental in Newburyport, Nancy’s Marshview Cafe in Salisbury, John’s Barber Shop in Newburyport, or Wash n’ Wags Dog Grooming in Salisbury.
“These donations let the children know we care and give them hope in a world that at times seems so very cold,” club president Claudette Beerman said.
Stuffed Animals for Emergencies (SAFE) and coloring supplies will be presented to police and fire department representatives at the April 19 Exchange Club meeting at the Starboard Galley during “Child Abuse Prevention Month.”
|
 |
|
