Kentucky State Police is selling Trooper Teddy Bears to raise money for children traumatized.
The teddy bears went on sale Monday for $14.99. The sale,just in time for Easter, continues through Sunday.
All proceeds benefit the Trooper Teddy Project, which provides teddy bears to children in traumatic situations such as a car crash, exposure to drugs, or domestic abuse cases.
KSP Spokesman Sergeant Billy Gregory says the Trooper Teddy Project is designed to develop trust between officers and children.
“Often times, we are meeting these children on their worst day,” Gregory said. “Whether they are scared or nervous from the circumstance they are dealing with, the bear seems to immediately resonate with them. That connection builds trust and opens the door to communication between the child and the trooper.”
Gregory says the program does not utilize tax dollars and relies solely on donations and the sale of bears for financial support.
“Annually, we host a bear sale on Black Friday and then again on Valentine’s Day to raise money for the project,” Gregory noted. “This year, our bear shipment was delayed for our February sale, so we are hosting our first ever Easter Sale.”
To avoid shipping costs, citizens have the option to pick up their bear at KSP Headquarters in Frankfort or any KSP Post location.
For those interested in purchasing a bear or making a tax deductible contribution to the project, visit https://trooperteddy.square.site/
(Photo courtesy of KSP Sgt. Brandon Brooks Twitter)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
