Folks traveling on Scott Street, south of Shotwell, in the early evening of Tuesday, May 1, were likely very puzzled, and maybe even concerned, by the line of vehicles from the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department and Bainbridge Public Safety at the Salvation Army office.

Not visible from the street, however, were law enforcement officers accepting boxes and bags of teddy bears from the Decatur County Lions Club.  While the Law and the Lions had a few moments of lighthearted fun with the bears, these toys have serious tasks in store for them. 

Each agency received 110 soft, cuddly bears which will be given to young victims of traumatic events, in the hope they can help alleviate some of the children’s fears and stress.  This annual project of the Decatur Lions Club is entitled “Buford’s Bears” in memory of the late Buford White, a Lion who was an avid supporter of the program.

​The Decatur County Lions Club sincerely hopes that when the little bears are placed in the hands of traumatized children they will help forge stronger, more positive relationships between those who serve and those who are served.