Corporal Roberts and Deputy Hess pack away some of the 50 stuffed monkeys donated by the VFW. “These will be in patrol cars by tonight,” Roberts said. Mitch Traphagen Photo
The Ruskin VFW Post 6287 donated 50 plush monkeys to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office last week. The soft, huggable toys will be used by deputies to provide comfort to children in crisis situations.
“When a child is involved in a traumatic incident such as domestic violence, an auto accident or a medical disaster, Sheriff’s Office personnel keep these in their vehicles ready to give to a child to help combat fear and to provide comfort during a stressful time,” said Ron Smith of the Ruskin VFW.
“Particularly with domestic violence, a lot of times it is a young child’s first encounter with law enforcement and we don’t want to leave them with that kind of memory of the uniform,” said HCSO Corporal Jason Roberts. “When we can take this, a stuffed monkey, and sit down and have a moment with the child one-on-one, I think it makes a big difference and we are very appreciative of you stepping out to help us out with that.”
And the donation by the veterans made an immediate impact.
“We are going to get these into the patrol cars tonight,” Roberts said.
For information about the VFW, visit www.vfwpost6287.com.
