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.