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Teddy Bear Collection To Help Sick, Injured Children During Ambulance Rides

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- An unexpected visit by police or an ambulance ride to the hospital can be a frightening experience for a child. But what could bring more comfort than a getting teddy bear to cling to?

A table at the North Side police headquarters is filled with brand new stuffed animals. They were collected in less than two months by Pittsburgh Police and EMS.

"We thought we might collect about 300 bears, which would be a great thing to donate around the city," announced City Councilman Dan Gilman at a Tuesday afternoon news conference. "In total, we have about 3,200 bears that have been dedicated to Public Safety by residents across the country."

Gilman started the teddy bear drive, with drop-off points throughout the city.

"It says a lot for our community," added Assistant Police Chief Scott Schubert. "People were willing to come forward and help out."

Dozens of bags, each containing five stuffed animals, will be placed in each of the city's 13 ambulances and 150 police cruisers.

"They'll reach out and grab it," said Acting EMS Chief Robert Farrow. "You'll see their eyes light up a little bit in most cases, and what it does is give them a little bit of comfort."

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He added that giving out stuffed animals is also a comfort for EMS crew members.

"Most of us are parents, and it hits home. So, it's one of the most stressful things a paramedic deals with, an injured or sick child," he said.

A teddy bear is a comfort that never grows old.

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