PERRY, Ga. — The Perry Welcome Center is asking for stuffed animal and teddy bear donations to give to children during emergency calls.
The welcome center plans to collect at least 150 stuffed pets and distribute them to the city's police and fire departments.
Perry Fire Chief Lee Parker says first responders often need to comfort children going through a traumatic experience. He says something as simple as a stuffed animal makes a difference.
"It may be a car accident where you're taking a kid out of a car seat and the mom and dad is also injured, or it could be that the kid is in some level of anxiety," Parker said. "Giving them something that provides them some comfort really does a lot for them."
The welcome center is accepting donations until August 12.
Those who are interested in donating can drop off stuffed animals at the Perry Welcome Center on General Courtney Hodges Boulevard.