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FRANKLINTON, La. – In a heartwarming initiative, the Washington Parish School System (WPSS) has partnered with Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office to provide comfort to distressed children in times of need. Superintendent Frances Varnado and the WPSB are donating teddy bears and other small, unused stuffed animals to be distributed by deputies when they encounter children facing traumatic situations.

Starting today, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Deputies will carry an extra passenger in their units – teddy bears and stuffed animals donated to the WPSO. The primary goal of this endeavor is to offer solace to children who have experienced distressing events, such as car accidents or the arrest of a loved one.

Sheriff Randy “Country” Seal emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “A gift of a stuffed animal can provide them with a level of comfort.” He further expressed his hope that this gesture would foster trust between youth and deputies, encouraging children to reach out to law enforcement for assistance when needed.

Sheriff Seal added, “I think a lot of times they [deputies] get a bad perception from children that they’re not here to protect them or take care of them. So it’s always great to have an extra ability for the deputies to not only protect them before something happens like an accident, but to be able to console them or ease the pain of whatever has already happened.”

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the generous donors who contributed to the Washington Parish School System’s teddy bear drive. Special thanks go to Superintendent Frances Varnado and Melissa Mauer for their outstanding coordination efforts in making this heartwarming initiative possible.