ST. GEORGE — The St. George Exchange Club purchased Time Out Teddy bears and donated them to the Children’s Justice Center as part of their Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Program held annually during the month of April.
Since the St. George Exchange Club had not recently met due to COVID-19 restrictions, the presentation was rescheduled and held on May 20.
Time Out Teddy bears are a warm, safe and loving friend to a child who has been abused, neglected or traumatized. The teddy bear serves as a calming tool for a child to hold in times of crisis. Time Out Teddy is also an effective icebreaker to help a child trust and open up to the person who is serving as the immediate caregiver.
“They can give these bears to children that may have experienced a trauma or as a comfort tool to hold,” said Neal Smith, Exchange Club district president.
Kristy Pike, executive director of the Children’s Justice Center, spoke about the Children’s Justice Center programs, thanking the St. George Exchange Club for their continued support before accepting the teddy bears.
The St. George Exchange Club participated in social distancing by wearing masks to keep everyone safe during the presentation, and hopes to resume meeting in person in June at their regular meeting place at George’s Restaurant Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m.
New members are always welcome.