Bear Hugs for OPSO Ribbon Cutting

Join The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Department, the Monroe Chamber, Chase and Atmos Energy for this exciting event, details are below:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mike Downhour
Phone: 318-323-3461
Email: mdownhour@monroe.org

It’s Time to Donate the First 200 Bears – Join Us for the Bear Hug Program Press Conference and Ribbon Cutting!
MONROE, LA – The Monroe Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are thrilled to invite the public, local businesses, and media outlets to a press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating a major milestone for the Bear Hugs Program. The event will mark the donation of the first 200 teddy bears to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Department. 
Thanks to Atmos Energy, which generously funded the first 200 bears, and Chase Bank, whose team volunteered to stuff every bear with care, this meaningful initiative is ready to relaunch with impact. Additional support was provided by local businesses that donated durable bags for transport, and Nash Patel and Southern Hospitality Services, who contributed essential toiletry kits to accompany each bear. ABOUT THE BEAR HUG PROGRAM
The Bear Hug Program is a community-driven initiative designed to equip every law enforcement vehicle across Northeast Louisiana with comforting teddy bears to provide to children during traumatic events such as car accidents, domestic disturbances, and other emergencies.
Once a thriving effort, Bear Hugs had slowed in recent years due to limited donations. Now, under the leadership of the Monroe Chamber Ambassadors, and with the support of local partners, this beloved program is making a powerful comeback.
Each donated teddy bear will be:

• Safely stored in patrol vehicle trunks
• Packaged in a new bag or backpack
• Accompanied by dental hygiene, toiletry kits and coloring books (thanks to Texas Roadhouse)
• Each bear includes a hand written note telling the child they are loved, hand written by the members of First Methodist Church in Monroe
• Readied to bring reassurance and emotional support to children in crisis

PROGRAM GOALS AND CALL TO ACTION
The goal is to expand to all police departments across a 10-parish region, ensuring every patrol unit carries at least two teddy bears. While Ouachita Parish is now fully funded, several departments in neighboring parishes still need sponsors.
How You Can Help:

• Attend upcoming ribbon cuttings as new departments receive their bears
• Sponsor bears, bags, coloring books, or hygiene items for additional departments
• Make a monetary donation to support the ongoing expansion

EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: Bear Hug Program Press Conference & Ribbon Cutting
WHEN: Wednesday, July 23, 4 PM
WHERE: Chase, 700 Kansas Lane, Monroe. Together, let’s bring comfort, safety, and a bear hug of reassurance to children when they need it most.
For more information or to get involved, please contact:
Mike Downhour
Phone: 318-323-3461
Email: mdownhour@monroe.org # # #