Church donates stuffed bears to law enforcement agencies

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Sidney donated small stuffed bears to local law enforcement agencies and Sidney Regional Medical Center Wednesday morning.

The congregation donated money to purchase the bears for the "Bears to Show We Care" project.

According to Deb Aikens of the church, this is the first year the congregation has participated in the project. Sidney's police, sheriff's office and the state patrol will be able to keep the bears in their cars in order to comfort children who are put in traumatic situations.

"It's for the kids who might be put in a bad situation," said State Trooper Ron Kissler. "It's something to focus their attention on."

The hospital will also be able to console their younger patients with the bears.

Sidney assistant police chief Joe Aikens said the local police officers have carried stuffed animals in their patrol cars before.

"We usually carry stuffed animals in our cars. One of the local retailers donated a large bag of Beanie Babies for us to keep in our cars and we recently ran out," Aikens said. "It's a great program and I appreciate them involving us in it"

Deb Aikens added that anyone can participate in the project by donating new, small stuffed animals to the church.