CHILDERSBURG, Ala. – The Kiwanis Club of Childersburg has recently donated the Childersburg Police Department (CPD) a supply of teddy bears which in turn can be given out to kids in the community.
For the time being, in the back of almost any patrol car belonging to the CPD you can find one passenger already detained in the back seat: a stuffed teddy bear.
Janice Grohs, the president of the Kiwanis Club in Childersburg, wanted to do this for children as a way to comfort them. She knows that there can be situations dealing with police that can be traumatic for kids.
“By giving them teddy bears and sitting down with them for maybe a minute or two, it just reminds them this is not about them, it’s not their fault and that we are there to protect them, not to hurt them,” said Childersburg Chief of Police Richard McClelland.
The Kiwanis organization is all about supporting children as the future leaders, and Childersburg Club Vice President Diane Kay thinks this donation exemplifies that effort.
“Kids need Kiwanis, now more than ever before, and this is an example of how our club can meet a need in our community,” Kay said. “Helping our children feel safe in their community is key to a great future.”
Information about becoming a member is available by calling Janice Grohs at 256-378-4000 or coming by the Childersburg branch of Renasant Bank.
