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(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Volunteers pose for a group photo after wrapping 153 bundles of blankets, stuffed animals and goody bags which will be delivered to Young County first responders. The bundles will be used when county first responders respond to a situation with a child in crisis. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Bundles of blankets, stuffed animals and goody bags which will be delivered to Young County’s first responders to be given to children in crisis at scenes. A total of 153 bundles will be distributed before Christmas. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Adam LaVine and Curtis Strider wrap stuffed animals and goody bags in blankets which were bundled and will be delivered to first responders in Young County. First responders will provide those bundles to children in crisis situations. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Stuffed animals line a table at the Young County Annex where they were bundled with 153 blankets and goody bags for first responders. The bundles will be given to children in crisis by first responders.
Young County first responders will have another tool to help assist children in crisis after the Young County Blankets and Bears program makes a donation to each department.
A total of 153 bundles of stuffed animals, blankets and a goody bags were donated by various members and businesses from the community to be used by first responders.
“The initiative aims to put comforting bundles in the hands of our first responders so that they can utilize them when children are affected by various crises,” Adam LaVine said. “Whether that be a fire, car wreck, medical emergency or even a domestic/child violence situation, these bundles aim to provide a small beam of hope, happiness and comfort on what may very well be, one of their worst moments in life.”
The bundles were wrapped by volunteers Thursday, Dec. 11 and were split into 79 bundles for girls and 74 bundles for boys which will be delivered before Christmas.
“I decided to split them up into boys and girls so that they can be a bit more personal for these children,” LaVine said. “Rather than using a gender neutral generic teddy bear, each one contains a fun and unique stuffed animal.”
The idea came about when Graham Police Department Sergeant Pedro Marrufo donated sacks of stuffed animals to LaVine.
What was previously an event called Graham Blankets and Bears was expanded to include all of Young County.
“These will be donated to all of Young County's first responders, to include: all seven of our fire departments, our emergency response coordinator, Jarod Cook, Graham and Olney Police Department, Graham and Olney EMS/Ambulance crews, State Troopers and the sheriff's office,” LaVine said.
LaVine said the original Graham event last occurred in 2023 and he did not want the benefit to be left behind.
He said he is looking for the new expanded event to become an annual benefit for the community.
“The following years will hopefully not be as large in quantity as we pray there are not as many children affected by emergencies,” LaVine said. “I will be keeping an open line of communication with the leaders of each entity to ensure they are stocked with enough bundles. However, if donations allow it, I would not mind expanding this into neighboring cities or counties.”
For first responders who play a vital role in the community each day, LaVine said programs like this can help them as they respond to situations.
“Emergencies do not discriminate when it comes to age, gender, race, or any aspect of life,” he said. “They are frequently responding to incidents involving one of our county's children, which is why I feel like they should have every possible tool in order to best serve and comfort our youth, including these bundles.”
