Public Encouraged to Donate New Teddy Bears this Holiday Season
(NEW ORLEANS, La.) – November 11, 2014 – This holiday season, Arnaud’s Restaurant, in partnership with the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation (NOPJF), is set to launch the city’s first ever Teddy Bear Program, benefiting the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and local community. The program has a proven track record in cities across the country.
Beginning Thanksgiving Day, November 27, Arnaud’s customers and the public are encouraged to donate new and unused Teddy Bears. At the end of the collection period, December 31, the Teddy Bears will be donated to NOPD officers to place in their vehicles to distribute to children who have been traumatized due to tragedy or victimization.
“NOPD officers encounter children who have experienced violence, abuse and other forms of trauma on a daily basis,” said Melanie Talia, Chief Executive Officer of NOPJF. “Through this program, officers will have the chance to help these children cope with traumatic events and provide comfort by giving them a little something to hold on to during a time of crisis.”
Collection bins will be placed at the below locations and accessible during normal hours of operation, unless otherwise noted.
For Arnaud’s Customers:
Arnaud’s Restaurant
813 Bienville Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
6 p.m. nightly
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday Jazz Brunch
*Special holiday hours
For General Public:
NOPJF
400 Poydras Street, Suite 2105
New Orleans, LA 70130
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday – Friday