Saint Leo University ‘Recruiting’ Teddy Bears For Tampa Police

ST. LEO, FL — For the second year, Saint Leo University is collecting stuffed animals for the Tampa Police Department to comfort children in stressful situations.

As a holiday season project of Saint Leo’s Tampa Education Center, Teddy Bears for TPD will provide cuddly critters for officers to carry in their vehicles to give out to kids.

In addition to the Tampa Education Center, the university community is helping with this effort including the Student Government Union, the Office of Greek Life and Community Service and the East Pasco Education Center at the residential campus in Pasco County.

Donations of new and gently used teddy bears and other stuffed animals will be collected in donation boxes now through Dec. 13. Saint Leo, in partnering with the Tampa police, is assembling a “comfort squad” of stuffed animals. Officers will provide these furry friends to children at crime scenes, in times of crisis, trauma and other scary situations.

Last year, nearly 250 stuffed animals were donated by Saint Leo students, faculty, staff and the community.

This year, teddy bears and plush animals may be dropped off in donation boxes (look for the Teddy Bears for TPD signs) at the following locations:

• Tampa Education Center, 1403 N. Howard Ave., Tampa. Donations will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Dining Hall lobby in the Student Community Center at University Campus, 33701 State Road 52, St. Leo.
• Student Activities Building at University Campus in St. Leo.
• Saint Edward Hall lobby (East Pasco Education Center) at University Campus, St. Leo.
• Benedictine Hall lobby at University Campus, St. Leo

“We want interactions with the police to be positive for children, even if it’s a scary situation,” said Rod Kirkwood, director of Saint Leo University’s Tampa Education Center. “These donations will allow the police officers to provide something soft for the children to hold during a hard or difficult time.”

Studies show that cuddling a stuffed animal can release “feel good” chemicals in the brain, and help soothe children (and adults).

Last year’s donations went to TPD’s Behavioral Health Unit along with the Major Crimes, Sex Crimes and Domestic Violence units.

“Children may not be a victim of a crime,” said Tampa Police Assistant Chief Lee Bercaw, “but they may witness a parent having a mental health issue or other issues.”

And the teddy bears and other stuffed animals are comforting to the children being assisted by these TPD units, he said.

For more information, contact Rod Kirkwood at rod.kirkwood@saintleo.edu or 813-226-2777.