DURANT, Okla. ― Durant police and firefighters, along with Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers, all received the special gifts of teddy bears Wednesday, as part of Durant Intermediate School's Hug-A-Bear Project in conjunction with Oklahoma’s Fire Prevention Month.
More than 100 kids spent the last three weeks collecting more than 185 bears. The bears are used by law enforcement and firefighters to give comfort to children during times of crisis.
Educators say the program helps teach kids about their local first responders.
“I think they need to realize exactly what these people do for them. That’s why it’s important to them," Durant Intermediate Gifted coordinator Helen Lowrance said.
The bears were equally distributed amongst law enforcement and fire personnel.
