NEW ORLEANS – Arnaud’s Restaurant, in partnership with the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation, has launched the 10th annual Teddy Bear Program, benefiting the New Orleans Police Department and local community.
Arnaud’s customers and the public are encouraged to donate new and unused Teddy Bears. Since its inception in 2014, the program has raised more than 10,000 teddy bears.
“We initiated this program, the first of its kind in New Orleans, with the goal of impacting our community in a positive way,” said Katy Casbarian, co-owner of Arnaud’s. “What we received in return has been an outpouring of support from our community wanting to do the same. It epitomizes the spirit of the season and creates connection through comfort.”
At the end of the collection period, on Dec. 31, the Teddy Bears will be donated to NOPD officers to place in their vehicles to distribute to children who have been traumatized due to tragedy or victimization.
“I want to thank our partners at Arnaud’s for their generous work in collecting teddy bears for NOPD officers to provide to the children they encounter during very stressful times,” said NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. “It is supportive efforts and programs such as this that assist our officers in focusing on all aspects of policing, which includes compassionate community outreach and further builds a better relationship between the citizens of New Orleans and the NOPD.”
