When children encounter law enforcement and first responders, it can be under less than ideal circumstances. Trauma experienced during a car accident, domestic violence/abusive situation or a loved one being arrested, can have damaging psychological effects on a child. That’s why LUNA (Latinas Unidas por un Nuevo Amanecer) has launched the new Marshall County Teddy Bears For Tears program.

The concept is the brainchild of Jodi Bowden-Fuentes, program director of LUNA’s Marshalltown office. In her experience working with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and other forms of abuse, she has witnessed how youngsters often get caught in the middle. The goal of Teddy Bears For Tears is to make stuffed animals available for use by the Marshalltown Police Department, Fire Department, first responders, the Marshall County Attorney’s Office and Victim Witness Coordinator, to distribute to kids who are the victims of crimes or who witness difficult situations surrounding the adults in their lives.

Currently, the United Way and the Marshalltown Redemption Center have come aboard, providing support of the program. To aid in the efforts, LUNA is seeking local businesses to serve as donation sites for gathering the toys. Boxes would be placed at these sites for seven to 14 day cycles with LUNA staff then picking up the donations, once the boxes are filled.

From a law enforcement prospective, the program is a much appreciated initiative in assuaging the fears and worries of youngsters in high-stress scenarios.

“With the teddy bear program, the simple act of giving the toy to a frightened child plants a seed,” said MPD Sgt. Tricia Thein. “It softens the perception of police for a moment. It is such a symbol of safety. It is my goal that every child in Marshalltown feel safe and protected. If the teddy bears do that for one child, we are a step closer to that goal. I am honored to work with LUNA and to help make these bears available to officers at the MPD to disperse as necessary.”

For Bowden-Fuentes, there are several reasons why presenting children with a stuffed animal can provide therapeutic results. She took inspiration for the program from similar efforts at the Mount Pleasant, Texas Police Department.

“Clinical trials have established that considerable comfort is obtained from cuddling, naming and speaking to a teddy bear. Various police, fire and paramedic departments across the country routinely issue teddy bears to their officers because they are useful tools in reaching scared, lost and traumatized children,” she said.

In addition to bringing solace to a child in a time of stress or sorrow, a stuffed animal can be used as a tool in learning more about the situation.

“Teddy bears provided to injured children by first responders may improve lifesaving treatments offered on the scene by paramedics. Sometimes it is easier for young children to show paramedics where they are hurt on a stuffed animal, rather than try to put the words together when they are scared, still learning a new language, or just learning to speak at all,” Bowden-Fuentes added.

LUNA is seeking child-friendly stuffed animals of any kind (not just teddy bears.) The toys should be new or gently used and clean, as to avoid triggering allergies. Stuffed animals 16 inches or smaller are desired. The first donation cycle is planned for June 4-13, with the stuffed animals being available to partner agencies by June 16. All donations will be utilized within Marshall County.

To learn more, contact Bowden-Fuentes at 319-242-7536 or jodi@lunaiowa.org.