It is usually the other way around, but on this particular day it was the Battle Ground Police Department that placed a call for help. Their collection of teddy bears stored at the police department was ruined when water leaked into the storage room. These were not just any teddy bears, they were meant to provide comfort to children in times of crisis.
Officers often encounter children who have been in car accidents, have suffered abuse, or who have witnessed traumatic events. The gift of a stuffed animal provides these children with a level of comfort, a type of emotional first aid, and it helps build a bridge of trust between an officer and a hurting child.
So when officers called for help to replace the lost bears, the first responders were City of Battle Ground employees. Staff from every department participated in purchasing new teddy bears and stuffed animals; three dozen were donated within hours of the call for help. Then a second call was placed and even more help was on the way.
City Manager John Williams called Riverview Community Bank Manager Amy Price to challenge her to collect as many or more bears. John knows that Amy, as a member of the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce and Battle Ground Rotary, has a strong commitment to the community. Amy accepted the challenge. Not only did her Riverview Community Bank customers donate to the cause, Amy called on the members of the Battle Ground Rotary and before long there was more help on the way.
As soon as Rotary members and Main Street Floral owners Marilyn Moeser and Ty McKay learned about the police department’s need for teddy bears, they immediately took action. As florists, they understand the value of giving a gift of comfort. They contacted their supplier and, with the Battle Ground Rotary’s help, acquired 48 new teddy bears that were donated to the police department.
The response to BGPD’s call for help from city employees, bank customers, and businesses is just one example of how individuals and organizations genuinely care for the Battle Ground community. The police department is now well stocked with teddy bears and stuffed animals and is prepared most importantly, to provide them to children who are suffering and in need of comfort.
In the picture (left to right):
Amy Price, VP/Branch Manager-Battle Ground Riverview Community Bank; Jill Kurtz, Battle Ground Rotary President; Tamara Gunter, City of Battle Ground Deputy City Clerk; BGPD Sgt. Chris Crouch; and Ty Mckay and Marilyn Moeser of Main Street Floral with puppy Panzer.
