Picnic held for Teddy Bear Officer program

Program supplies teddy bears to children in crises

By Travis Rains • August 24, 2017 1:30 am
(Travis Rains | The Vidette) Teddy Bear Officers held a picnic Saturday, Aug. 19 to celebrate their hard work in collecting and donating some 2,000 bears to local fire departments and hospitals. From left: Lauren Hudson, Savannah Jolly, Audrey Bradburn, Joan Murphy, Ben Jolly, Mylee Mezzell Riveria Nicholes. Bottom row: Grady Wadsworth, Jerico Jolly and Annabee Wadsworth.
(Travis Rains | The Vidette) Teddy Bear Officers held a picnic Saturday, Aug. 19 to celebrate their hard work in collecting and donating some 2,000 bears to local fire departments and hospitals. From left: Lauren Hudson, Savannah Jolly, Audrey Bradburn, Joan Murphy, Ben Jolly, Mylee Mezzell Riveria Nicholes. Bottom row: Grady Wadsworth, Jerico Jolly and Annabee Wadsworth.

Teddy bear officers attended a picnic Saturday, Aug. 19 at Lake Sylvia State Park in Montesano to celebrate their accomplishments and the work they have done for the community.

Teddy bear officers collect teddy bears from community members and then donate them to various agencies and organizations. Officers give bears to first responders who in turn distribute them to children going through crises. Bears have also been donated to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Fisher House, hospitals and nursing facilities. Teddy bear officers have donated more than 2,000 bears in VFW District 5 alone.

Dept. of Washington Auxiliary Guard member Joan Murphy started the Teddy Bear Officer program in May of 2016.

(Photo by Rich Angeli) At a picnic Saturday, Aug. 19 Teddy Bear Officers took part in rock painting, bubble blowing and potato sack races.

(Photo by Rich Angeli) At a picnic Saturday, Aug. 19 Teddy Bear Officers took part in rock painting, bubble blowing and potato sack races.