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YMCA Teams Up With Christian Station to Collect Teddy Bears For Traumatized Children

February 27, 2006 -- On Monday, February 27, 2006, YMCA officials presented the Houston Police Department with thousands of teddy bears collected to aid raumatized children. Local Christian Radio Station KSBJ (89.3 FM) teamed up with Houston area YMCA's to collect teddy bears for children who are victims or witnesses of crime. "If it's about helping our youth, we want to contribute in any way we can," YMCA chaplain Jamie Clark said.

YMCA centers all over the greater Houston area assisted HPD and HFD by collecting new teddy bears and stuffed animals from its members, community and staff. The stuffed animals will be carried by patrol officers and given to children at crime scenes because the children either witnessed a crime or were victims of crime themselves. Some of these toys will also be given to Juvenile Sex Crimes Unit investigators so that they can bring comfort to their young victims.

"Often times, children are on the scene of a crime and they witness a serious offense," said Lieutenant Robert Manzo." "We know that one small toy can make a difference in comforting these children," he added.

Pictured: Lieutenant Robert Manzo accepts the generous donation from YMCA
officials. Click on photo for full size image.

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.