Assemblyman Bucco and Sheriff Gannon's Offices are NJSPBA "Feel Better Bears" Drop Off Locations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                 
CONTACT:        Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco/ 973.927.2526
                       Sheriff James M. Gannon/ 973.285.6622
                       NJSPBA President Patrick Colligan/ 732.609.3554


December 14, 2018  

Assemblyman Bucco and Sheriff Gannon's Offices are 
NJSPBA "Feel Better Bears" Drop Off Locations

Randolph, N.J. - Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, LD-25 (Morris, Somerset), Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, the New Jersey State PBA and the Morris County Police Chiefs Association are collaborating this holiday season by collecting teddy bears for juveniles that law enforcement personnel encounter in the line of duty.   They are calling them "Feel Better Bears" because police will make children feel better during emergencies, giving them brand-new bears to hug.

People are encouraged to donate new, unused stuffed animals.  Although the item does not have to be a bear, it should be of a reasonable size small enough to be held comfortably by a small child.  

The Feel Better Bears can be dropped off at the Office of Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco 1040 Route 10 West, Suite 104  Randolph, NJ 07869 or the Morris County Sheriff's Office, 56 Washington Street, Morristown, NJ 07963 now through December 31, 2018  to make a child feel better during a time of need.

The "Feel Better Bears" program is an opportunity for us to collect stuffed animals that will comfort those most vulnerable at extremely difficult times, said NJ State PBA President Patrick Colligan.  "We are grateful to Assemblyman Bucco, Sherriff Gannon and Chief Chimento for opening up their offices and using their positions to assist in this worth-while effort", he added.

"I am proud to open up my legislative office to be a drop off center for the Feel Better Bears program.  When Pat spoke to me about the PBA's effort, I jumped at the chance to help out," Bucco said.  "Especially at this time of year, we can gather donations and make a huge impact for those children in need," he added.

"I have been a police officer for decades and have seen first-hand the sadness and fear in the eyes of children. Our first contact with children can be life changing for them.  A Feel Better Bear will help to relieve a little of that fear, pain and sadness, said Sheriff Jim Gannon. "I am proud to have my office be a drop off location and lend my name to this wonderful program."  


"As the incoming President of the Morris County Chiefs of Police Association, I am honored that Assemblyman Bucco has chosen to partner with our organization and our endeavors to support the Feel Better Bear Program", said Chief Ciro Chimento. "Since this program directly affects our most innocent little ones, we appreciate Assemblyman Bucco's compassion. We are happy to collaborate and know that this program will provide comfort to the children of Morris County", he added. 

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