How a Ride Along Teddy Bear can support local children

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A new program in Warren County is helping bring comfort to children during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Foundation has launched the “Ride Along Teddy Bear” program, giving deputies a simple way to support children impacted by traumatic situations like accidents or domestic incidents.

Officials say deputies often encounter young children during critical calls, where fear and confusion can quickly take over. The goal is to provide something tangible for kids to hold onto in those moments.

“And so their idea was to have something that would kind of help give these children a piece of comfort,” Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower said. “It’s kind of giving them something they can physically hold on to… something that may bring some comfort to them during this difficult time.”

The program began with strong community support, as local donors helped purchase the first round of teddy bears. Those were then distributed to deputies responding to calls across the county.

Now, leaders say they are focused on keeping the program going long-term.

“And so to kind of sustain the program, we thought we’d open it up, that they could purchase them,” Hightower said. “And there would be a little bit of an overage that could go back into sustaining the program.”

Community members can purchase a bear or get involved with the foundation, with proceeds going toward placing more teddy bears into patrol cars.

The foundation, a nonprofit organization, also works to identify needs within the community and support both residents and members of the sheriff’s office during difficult times.

Officials say while the teddy bears may seem like a small gesture, they can make a lasting impact on a child facing a traumatic situation.

DONATION LINK: https://www.zeffy.com/…/ticketing/wcsfoundation-teddy-shop

PURCHASE LINK: https://www.zeffy.com/…/buy-a-ride-along-bear-dollar25