MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — As part of their Teddy Bear Brigades, the Tiny Hands Foundation donated more than 600 teddy bears to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office so deputies can comfort upset children.
The Sarasota based foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children in need. It was founded in 2001 by businessman Rod Khleif and has helped more than 55,000 children in the Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto community, according to its website.
"We promote an exchange of generosity and gratitude between the fortunate in our community and those who are in need," the website says.
Among their initiatives is the Teddy Bear Brigades. Sheriff's deputies and police officers are often the first to respond to traumatic situations. The hope is that the bears will allow them to give comfort and companionship to children who may be in distress after trauma.
