FRESNO CA (KMJ) – Around 16 students from Manchester Gate visited the Central Policing District Station on Thursday, bringing with them a gift.
“Oh my gosh, yes – they brought bags and bags of stuffed animals.” – Fresno Police Captain Phil Cooley.
The 5th and 6th graders handed Captain Phil Cooley and other officers the bags of teddy bears to be distributed to children they encounter on calls, especially those that have experienced a traumatic event.
“It helps them because… so they can make sure that kids can be not scared if there is a fire in their house or if a robber comes.” 5th Grader Aliya, Manchester Gate Elementary.
Liz: How did it make you feel, today to know you are going to help out other kids?
Aliya: It made me feel good to know because we are giving back to the community and we’re helping people – not just ourselves.
Liz: There are a lot of colors here – what’s your favorite bear?
Aliya: The purple one.
Principal Janet Gengosian brought the students to the police substation located in the Manchester Center.
“This is a group of kids who just want to serve and it’s so easy to get these kids going, they just love to share and love to donate.” – Principal Janet Gengosian.
The officers gave the kids a look “behind the scenes” before the children presented their bears – a grand total of 348 teddy bears.
Click below to listen to the story by KMJ’s Liz Kern
