[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 102 (Thursday, July 11, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S7789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    BUDDY BEARS FOR ABUSED CHILDREN

 Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, it is my great pleasure today to 
recognize the Buddy Bears for Abused Children Program. This program is 
a volunteer effort coordinated with Oregon law enforcement agencies 
that donates teddy bears to abused children. The growth and popularity 
of this program serves as an example of its success in promoting a very 
special cause.
  The Buddy Bear program provides a simple but immediate gift to 
children who are often at their most vulnerable. In many cases these 
children are being taken from the trauma of an abusive or drug addicted 
home life or have been completely abandoned by their parents. At a 
confusing and frightening moment in their young lives, this gift, 
presented to them by an officer, serves as an important signal of 
caring and trust.
  The driving force behind this program for the last 5 years has been 
Leonard H. Odom of Salem, OR. Mr. Odom is a member of the Marion County 
Sheriff's Office and has spent hundreds of volunteer hours each year 
collecting donations from individuals and businesses in the community. 
As a result of his tireless efforts with the Buddy Bear program, he was 
awarded a letter of commendation from the Marion County Sheriff's 
Office at an awards ceremony on May 17, of this year.
  As an example of the impact of the Buddy Bear program, I would like 
to share a letter that Mr. Odom received. It reads:

       Dear Mr. Buddy Bear,
       An unusual and touching incident arose when I went to buy 
     the Buddy Bears, and I thought you might find it interesting. 
     A young, black girl, 18 or 19 waited on me. When she saw the 
     bears she picked one up and said, ``Hi Mr. Bear,'' and gave 
     him a hug. I said, ``Now don't get too attached to those 
     bears, they are for a very special purpose.''
       I then proceeded to tell her that we have a friend who 
     works with the Sheriffs department and he collects bears to 
     give to children who have been in a traumatic situation. The 
     girl stopped what she was doing and she had this very 
     startled look on her face. She said, ``I got one of those 
     bears when I was a little girl. My Step-Dad tried to kill my 
     Mother. He went after her with a machete, he beat her, he hit 
     us, and when the police got there they gave me and my sister 
     a teddy bear to hug. I remember it to this day. I think your 
     friend is doing a wonderful thing.''
       So now you know first hand how appreciated your work is to 
     the victims.
       Elcena

  It is programs like the Buddy Bears for Abused Children, and the 
energy and commitment of people like Mr. Odom, that make volunteer 
efforts in Oregon and across the country so successful. I am honored 
today to recognize this program and individual.

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