Alabama troopers' teddy bears bring Christmas cheer to Tuscaloosa

Gary Cosby Jr., Tuscaloosa News
·2 min read

Alabama state troopers brought a teddy bear to 5-year-old Honesty Eason who was hospitalized Tuesday at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa. She was one of about 100 children across the state who got that bit of Christmas joy from the Alabama State Troopers Association this holiday season.

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Troopers from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency presented the teddy bear to Honesty, bringing a smile to her face and continuing a tradition that dates back to the late 1980s when the first teddy bears were delivered by troopers.

Jeffery Harris presents a teddy bear to Honesty Easton, 5, at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. State Troopers are bringing the stuffed animals to children in hospitals across the state. With Harris are Jonathan Collins and Caleb Gamble.
Jeffery Harris presents a teddy bear to Honesty Easton, 5, at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. State Troopers are bringing the stuffed animals to children in hospitals across the state. With Harris are Jonathan Collins and Caleb Gamble.

ALEA Lt. David Steward, who is president of the State Troopers Association, said, "It's an unfortunate time of the year where kids have to be hospitalized. Most of the other kids who are in school, it's their last week in school and they are looking forward to the best time of the year. Unfortunately, we have some here in the hospital who can't enjoy the holidays. We love doing this every year. It is part of our association's annual event to try to put a smile on a kid's face."

Troopers carry the teddy bears, stuffed animals that are adorned like a trooper, to give to children throughout the year who might have been involved in a wreck or some other incident wherein they feel traumatized. The teddy bears give children a bit of comfort in a bad situation.

"It's a good feeling. It puts a positive light on our agency as a whole and as a law enforcement officer," Steward said. "Everybody enjoys doing this. This is our favorite time of the year."

Steward said most of the money to purchase the teddy bears comes from donors and sponsors. Anyone wishing to contribute to the program can do so through the troopers website, www.alabamatroopers.net.

Gary Cosby Jr. is the photo editor of The Tuscaloosa News. Readers can email him at gary.cosby@tuscaloosanews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Troopers spread holiday cheer with teddy bears at Tuscaloosa hospital