Highland County Prosecutor's Office, Highland County Prosecutor's Victim Assistance Program announce kickoff of Comfort Critters Campaign

The Highland County Prosecutor’s Office and the Highland County Prosecutor’s Victim Assistance Program are proud to announce the kickoff of the Comfort Critters Campaign.

This campaign is an effort to collect stuffed animals which will be distributed to law enforcement throughout Highland County.

Law enforcement will carry the stuffed animals in their cars and as they deal with situations in which children are involved, they can pass out the stuffed animals to those children.

“We have been to a lot of crime scenes and the kids are absolutely lost in the turmoil. It is so sad," said Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins. "We have removed children from homes and the only thing they have had are the clothes they are wearing. When an officer arrives at a domestic situation or a traffic crash, a teddy bear can bring a lot of comfort to our most innocent victims. We are hoping to do that.”

Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins is hoping this will be a longterm campaign.

“Hopefully, we will be able to collect stuffed animals and keep this project going," Collins said. "We would like Comfort Critters to be a permanent fixture in our county.”

Law enforcement countywide has been very supportive of the idea.

Highland County Sheriff Donnie Barrera, Hillsboro Police Chief Todd Whited, Greenfield Police Chief Tim Hester and Leesburg Police Chief Tim Tyree have all been involved in this from the start.

Boxes have been distributed at local businesses to collect stuffed animals. Just look for the Teddy Bear on the front of the box at the following locations:

• Highland County Prosecutor’s Victim Assistance Office (in the Courthouse);

• Magic Touch Salon in Hillsboro;

• Larry’s Party Shop in Hillsboro;

• Mane Street Salon in Leesburg; and.

• Job & Family Services in Highland County.