Bears on Patrol in Carrollton, Georgia!

Sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most. The gestures that calm or comfort those in need, but that tend to escape the spotlight because they aren’t splashy or the object of media attention, are quite often the things that victims cling to in times of need. Enter Bears on Patrol.

Bears on Patrol is a non-profit organization that provides officers with teddy bears that comfort the smallest of victims in the biggest of ways. Blake Raab, Executive Director of Bears on Patrol in Carrollton, says “We are a very new organization, but it is exciting to see people share our enthusiasm for the program, both locally and on Facebook and Twitter. Most of our board members live in Carrollton, and we are happy to have the Carrollton Police Department working with us.”

Cases involving children are often the most difficult for both the children and the officers involved. When a policeman answers a call involving a child, there may be fear, terror, trauma, or all three. Perhaps a domestic incident has left a child angry and frightened to see a parent removed from the home… a fire left them homeless and terrified, or perhaps an accident has caused a tragic personal loss. Providing an officer with a teddy bear for these children gives them an opportunity to help calm their fears, and assure them that the officers themselves are the ‘good guys’, and are there to help.

Here in Carrollton GA, Bears on Patrol has partnered with the Carrollton Police Department to provide teddy bears to the department. Carrollton Police Chief Joel Richards is a strong supporter of the Bears on Patrol. “The thing that is unique about the Bears on Patrol is that they are wearing a shirt with the Carrollton Police Department logo”, he says. “ Our domestic violence investigator, Sasha Smith, loves them. She probably gives out more than anyone else because she deals with children who witness violence in the home.”

Raab is looking forward to seeing this worthwhile program continue to grow through the involvement of the Carrollton community. “We are hoping to organize some fundraising events in the coming months, and look forward to personally meeting our local supporters”, says Raab.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Blake Raab online, call Bears on Patrol at (762) 233-BEAR (2327) or visit the website, www.bearsonpatrol.org!