$1500 Raised through Online Campaign, 92 sets Donated  

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard announces his office accepted 92 books and Cuddle Bears from Usborne Books and More as well as Kristie Lawler – Usborne Regional Representative on June 4.  The books and bears will be used during traumatic incidents involving children. 

Usborne Books and Kristie Lawler organized an online fundraiser a few months back, and people from Western New York generously donated $1,500.00 to the effort.  The money raised during a two-week period purchased the teddy bears and the accompanying books, which will be distributed, to Deputies.  Deputies, assigned as School Resource Officers and those assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit, will use these soft bears and colorful books to help calm children during incidents to which Deputies respond.

Sheriff Timothy Howard said, “I want to thank Usborne Books, Kristie Lawler, and the people of Western New York for their generosity.  The books and the Cuddle Bears are a tremendous help when my Deputies respond to scenes where children are either victims or witnesses to a tragedy.  We have used books and stuffed animals in the past and these items work wonders in calming the children and keeping their mind off the terrible event.

The books and bears, which are a pair, will be distributed to Deputies over the coming days and will remain in patrol vehicles. 

Usborne Books and More:

• Is a national publisher of children’s books and raises charitable donations through its Literacy for a Lifetime Grant;

• The publishing company partners with law enforcement agencies nationwide for child-oriented programs;

• Kristie Lawler selected the Erie County Sheriff’s Office as the beneficiary of this donation.

• Kristie Lawler – 512.970.1911; usbornebookswithKristie@gmail.com