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Reserves News
Teddy Bear Christmas Event
12/25/2008
The Sheriff Reserve volunteers its services to various charities and community events.
Each year the Sheriff’s Reserves sponsor the Teddy Bear Christmas Event; in which, children who are hospitalized through the Christmas Holidays are visited and given Teddy bears and balloons by the Reserve deputies and their family members. The Shriner clowns also help and participate in making this event successful as they bring a smile and laughter to these children. Currently, the Reserves visit 5 area Children’s Hospitals: Texas Children’s Hospital, M.D. Anderson, Shrine Crippled Children’s Hospital, Shrine Burn Center Galveston, and UTMB Galveston.
While, it would be easy to think that this would be a rather smooth process, it takes many hours and tireless efforts to have it run without fail. The teddy bears that are offered as gifts to these children cannot be a common bear off the shelf; they must have sewn in eyes and noses with no ribbons around the neck or buttons. The Reserves purchase well over 500 bears with donations made to the Reserves; however, many times new, donated bears are also used. The balloons must be Mylar, per Hospital regulations and for the safety of the children. The Reserves take the time to visit with the parents and briefly entertain the child. Before we leave, a Polaroid picture is taken and given to the patient as a memento of the event. Our presence has brought many smiles to kids, parents, doctors and nurses. The Teddy Bear Christmas Event has been heart warming, yet humbling to those that participate. The Sheriff’s Reserves’ and volunteers’ participation has brought encouragement and comfort to parents and has brought happiness to all.
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