Seventh- and eighth-grade kids in Ruth Wilson's home economics class donated about 90 handmade stuffed bears to the Brentwood Police Department last month. Officer Jamie Fosenburg was on hand to receive the bears and said these stuffed toys would be divided among officers on patrol duty and kept in the trunks of their cars until needed.
The bears are given to children who are in distress due to traffic accidents, the death of a family member or pet, domestic violence situations, serious injury and other situations.
Fossenburg said she loved the bears and over the years has used them several times. She says it helps the officers connect with children as well as provide them comfort and help to ease their anxiety.
"It humanizes us a little bit," Fosenburg said. "They don't think of us as a bad person (in these situations) if you have a teddy bear. It helps them see us in a different light."
Students began working on the cuddly critters last fall. The bears have "Bristow" stitched on them and come with student-written poems dedicated to the recipients. The students donated notions and stuffing, while Wilson donated the material.
Through the project, kids learn valuable life skills and contribute to their community.
"I liked that I could put a smile on an upset child's face," said seventh grader Erica Purcell. "I really enjoyed making it. It was a lot of fun."
Student Chris Nelson agreed.
"I liked doing something good for someone else," he said.
Wilson started the project several years ago as a way to get the kids in this age group involved in community service. The young tailors give a bear away as well as make a project for themselves. It gives equal access to boys and girls and gives them a lot of satisfaction.
"I like that they take ownership of the bears even though they're giving it away," Wilson said. "It's a nice individual project for everybody … for a good cause."
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