SHERMAN, TX-Abuse can not only traumatize children, it can leave them with lasting scars. But two area non-profit groups are trying to give comfort to kids in these situations. As Victoria Maranan reports, their special gifts are making some hard times easier to bear.
A box of teddy bears arrives at the Grayson County Child Advocacy Center Monday morning.
"At Modern Woodmen, we have this thing called 'Join Hands Day.' We'll go on and give teddy bears to police stations, firefighters, children in need, things of that sort. This year, we decided to go to the Child Advocacy Center."
Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial representative, Matt Finke, brought in 15 teddy bears to be given out. He said the organization has given out more than 20,000 bears across the U.S. in the past 20 years.
"They've got a tan one and a brown one so there's 7 or 8 of the brown and 7 or 8 of the tan, whichever one they want to pick. They can get them, they're really soft and you want to feel em. I like them, I'll take them home if I could," he said.
"Aren't they wonderful? These are so nice and soft and so cuddly."
Martha Nuckols said when children come to the CAC to speak with a counselor about the abuse they've suffered, teddy bears help comfort them as they recount what is often a traumatic event.
"It's something that a child can hold on to. This is not a happy time in their life. Anything that they can cling to is comforting to them," she said.
"When they come in and try to be relaxed, if they have something that's very very soft that they're feeling, it makes them more comfortable. You know how little kids are, they like having something in their hands. Maybe something they can hug and hold. It helps them be more comfortable," said Finke.
"We are really grateful to the Modern Woodsmen of America for donating these to us. I was telling him earlier that these will be gone within a week because every child that walks in the door gets to pick an animal, stuffed animal to take with them," said Nuckols.
"I don't think I'm making a difference, I think the CAC makes the greatest difference and I'm just here to help out and kinda give to them and help their great organization," said Finke.
If you're a law enforcement agency or fire department, you can sign up to get teddy bears by contacting Modern Woodmen.
Modern Woodment Fraternal Financial
115 S. Travis St. Suite 307
Sherman, TX
903-271-8109
Matt.Finke@mwarep.org
Posted: 05/08/13 - The Sherman Public Library is very excited about our upcoming Summer Reading Club for children and teens. Children ages birth-11 can Dig into Reading and join the Youth Summer Reading Club. The theme for the Teen Summer Reading Club this year is Beneath the Surface and it is open to teens ages 12-18. Read More
Posted: 05/07/13 - DURANT, Okla. – Regent Terry Matlock will deliver remarks at Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Spring Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, May 11, at Paul Laird Field. The ceremony (for all schools) will begin at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Visual & Performing Arts Center. Read More
Posted: 05/06/13 - SHERMAN, TEXAS—Members of the Austin College Class of 2013 are counting down the days until graduation—with both excitement and trepidation. Austin College President Marjorie Hass will present diplomas to more than 340 bachelor’s degree candidates and 18 Master of Arts in Teaching degree candidates who will take part in graduation events May 18 and 19 on campus. Read More
