Two years ago, Canon Jon Filkins of St. Barnabas Anglican Church began a program to supply the Picayune Police Department with stuffed animals to give to children who are exposed to traumatic situations.

The program is called “Plush for the Police,” and to date there have been more than 1,000 stuffed animals distributed to local children.

“This Plush for the Police program is an institution in our department,” said Picayune Police Chief Bryan Dawsey. “I have personally given out these animals and have seen the difference that they make to the child involved in a bad situation. The stuffed animals give them something to hold on to. It is a tool to reach and connect with a child, when they cannot be reached any other way.”

Filkins recently brought another load of stuffed animals that he received through his church and from private donations.

“We are always looking for more of these animals,” Filkins said. “Unfortunately there are far too many situations where they are needed. On the other hand, it is such a blessing that the officers have them to give to a child.”

Filkins asked that local civic organizations consider “Plush for the Police” as a beneficiary of their community involvement.
“We are always looking for new donations,” Filkins said.  “Donations can be dropped off at either the Picayune Police Station or at St. Barnabas. We would like to thank those who have made donations in the past. This good work could not continue without the good people in this community.”

For more information contact St. Barnabas Anglican Church at 601-749-4663.