DHS' Child Support Services Kicks Off Annual Bearable Hugs Campaign

January 25, 2012

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Human Services’ (DHS), Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) is collecting teddy bears and other stuffed animals for children as part of their annual Bearable Hugs for Georgia’s Children campaign. The toys will be given to children receiving care at pediatric facilities, women’s shelters, law enforcement agencies and other children’s organizations throughout Georgia.

“Our mission at Child Support is to put children first,” said Keith Horton, Director of DHS’ Division of Child Support Services. “We hope the teddy bears will bring comfort and put a smile on the face of a child who may be facing illness, domestic upheaval or other hardships.”

Individuals, churches, businesses and other organizations may participate in the campaign by dropping off teddy bears or other stuffed animals at any collection box located at DCSS locations across the state. The donations will be distributed the week of Valentine’s Day. Over 26,000 stuffed animals have been collected and distributed since the project began in 2008.

“It is really unbelievable how a little stuffed animal can help a law enforcement officer to calm a child involved in a tense domestic situation or hospital personnel bringing comfort to a child brought into the emergency room,” said Greg Turner, Supervisor for DCSS’ Fatherhood Program. “These are just some of the many ways that the stuffed animals collected through the Bearable Hugs campaign will be used.”

For more information about the Division of Child Support Services, go to www.ocss.dhs.georgia.gov.

Media Contact: Ravae Graham
404-656-4937