The University of Wyoming’s University Store recently donated 100 teddy bears to the Wyoming Highway Patrol Association through the customer-supported Share a Bear program.

The bears will be placed in patrol vehicles to help comfort children who have experienced traumatic events.

University Store Director Misty Eaton says the program began back in November and has seen great support from customers and the community.

“The program allows customers to purchase a plush teddy bear at checkout and donate it back to the store,” says Eaton.  “The University Store then collects all the bears and donates them to the Wyoming Highway Patrol Association.”

“These bears provide a lot of comfort to those children in one of the most difficult times in their lives,” says Wyoming Highway Patrol supervisor Lt. Michael Simmons.

Eaton says that the University Store plans to bring the program back during the next holiday season.

“At this point in time we have a few bears left,” says Eaton.  “We were really excited to partner with the Highway Patrol Association, and hope to continue the partnership.”

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