Deputies get bears for kids
Published 10:34 am Thursday, January 22, 2015
From left, Deloris Schewe, Janet Marsden, Mower County Chief Deputy Mark May, Eunice Benson and Doris Draayer pose with a collection of stuffed bears recently donated from the Royal Neighbors of America, Chapter 1329, out of Oakland. — Photo Provided
Mower County Sheriff’s deputies are getting help from some furry buddies.
The sheriff’s department recently got 10 stuffed bears from the Royal Neighbors of America, Chapter 1329 of Oakland.
Deputies have received bears in the past from the group, a fraternal organization based in Rock Island, Illinois, which helps out various groups in Mower and Freeborn counties.
Doris Draayer, a volunteer with the Royal Neighbors, said the group likes to give out the bears to area police departments as part of their community service projects.
“These go to all police departments,” she said.
The deputies will take the bears along on rides to give out to children involved in difficult situations.
“It’s a win-win situation for us and the community,” Mower County Chief Deputy Mark May said.
According to May, the bears help deputies break the ice with children involved in calls who may have been traumatized by criminal behavior.
