December 14, 2004

EAST LANSING -  The Michigan State Police was presented with a check today from the Order of the Eastern Star in support of its Trooper Teddy program. The program, which is entirely funded by donations, provides teddy bears to troopers to give to children who have been involved in traumatic situations, such as traffic crashes, domestic violence and child abuse and neglect cases.

"Being able to give a traumatized child a Trooper Teddy makes all the difference," stated Sergeant Greg Jones of the State Police Prevention Services Section. "Sometimes, the introduction of a police officer can make the situation worse for an already frightened child, and giving them a teddy bear helps to calm them down."

Thousands of Trooper Teddy’s have been given to children all across the state since the Birmingham Optimist Club started the Trooper Teddy program in 1987. To help the State Police in its commitment to Michigan’s children, the Order of the Eastern Star donated $1,554.50 to the Trooper Teddy program. The funds were raised by the six chapters of the Lenawee-Monroe-Hillsdale County Association of the Order of the Eastern Star. Members also donated over 600 stuffed animals to the Monroe and Adrian State Police posts.

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization to which both men and women may belong. The foundation is based on the Masonic Order, an ancient brotherhood of men organized for the purpose of uniting craftsmen in the construction of Cathedrals. The Order supports youth and education, and has established a fund to assist children in need.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR AN ELECTRONIC PHOTO OF THE TROOPER TEDDY:

Sgt. Greg Jones, MSP Prevention Services Section, (517) 333-4017