A local foundation is distributing teddy bears to local officers to give to children.

 

This is the second year the “Because We Care” foundation is distributing the bears in Altoona.

 

The Altoona Police Department stopped by the public library to surprise children with the stuffed animals.

 

The foundation said bears are custom made for 36 departments throughout four counties including, fire, dispatch, and police.

 

The bears are given to children that officers have met in the line of duty. 

 

Sergeant Ben Jones said some kids find officers intimidating but this is a nice way to show they are around to help.

 

“It breaks our heart every time we have to respond to an incident where there are kids involved and whatever the case may be we always try to make them feel better regardless of what’s going on and the because we care bears really help us do that,” Jones said.

 

So far the organization has distributed $15,000 worth of teddy bears.