‘FUR’ THE KIDS

Sometimes when children experience trauma, it’s the seemingly small gestures— like the gift of a cuddly teddy bear — that bring them the most comfort. Perhaps it’s the soft fur that eases their distress, or maybe it’s the stuffed animal’s huggable appearance.

Either way, “Buddy Bears” are an invaluable tool for Newton’s first responders.

To help raise money for the Newton Police Department’s Buddy Bear program, Advantage Credit Union will launch a new donation campaign on July 1. Throughout the month, the Newton business will accept donations from residents and match all contributions up to a maximum of $1,500.

Which means if $2,000 of private donations are collected, Advantage Credit Union’s maximum pledge will still be $1,500.

Jeff Holschuh, business services/marketing vice president of Advantage Credit Union, told Newton News the fundraising campaign hopes to raise $2,500, which would pay for about 300-500 bears. Holschuh said donors may visit the credit union and will hold onto the funds for the entire month.

“If people want to bring in checks, they’re more than welcome to do that — we just ask that they’re payable to the ‘Newton Police Department,’” Holschuh said. “And then we will get those all over to them at the end of the month.”

Julie Britton, community engagement officer for the Newton Police Department, said the bears are given to kids during traumatic incidents like car accidents or a domestic call. The last bear Britton handed out to a child was after a house fire.

“So any time a traumatic incident occurs it’s a time we can hand out a Buddy Bear, comfort them, make it a little bit easier on them to deal with it,” Britton said. “As adults it does seem like a small gesture, but for a kid getting that stuffed animal could be huge for them … They remember that.”

Leslie Brickman, CEO of Advantage Credit Union, said the company’s philosophy is “people helping people.” The donation champion ties into that same philosophy, she said. Advantage Credit Union wants to make sure people know the business is here to support them and the community.

“Whether it be financially or in this way,” Brickman said.

Advantage Credit Union has organized similar donation campaigns in the past. In April 2019, the credit union collected $4,414 for the Jasper County RIDE program. Both the credit union and the City of Newton matched $1,000 each with the rest being from private donations.

Jasper County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) accepted the donation. Holschuh said Advantage Credit Union has also served as a drop-off location for donated hats and gloves for a United Way campaign. The business also sponsored pool parties at Maytag Pool; the latest one will be held July 15.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com