The Thomasville Police Department (TPD) recently announced a partnership with Chaney’s Champions, a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Apex, NC, that provides teddy bears to organizations that may encounter children in crisis situations. Founded in 2017, Chaney’s Champions was formed to honor the memory of Chaney James Corcoran, who passed away suddenly at 10 weeks old as a result of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
“TPD is excited and honored to partner with Chaney’s Champions,” said TPD Chief John Letteney. “My former agency in Apex, NC was the first to partner with Chaney’s Champions when they were founded in 2017. I have been blessed to experience first-hand the positive impact this partnership can provide for children that may be facing a stressful or traumatic time.”
According to Chief Letteney, TPD will accept a donation of Chaney’s Bears at an event scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 15th in the parking lot of the Thomasville Police Department. “TPD will formally announce our partnership and graciously accept a donation of 100 bears from Chaney’s Champions at this event,” said Chief Letteney. “Chaney’s Champions is now partnering with 22 agencies across four states. Our partnership will make TPD the first in the state of Georgia to partner with the organization.”
To fulfill its mission, Chaney’s Champions depends on the generous financial support of family, friends, and community members in the cities in which they create partnerships. “The mission of the organization involves paying it forward through random acts of kindness,” said Chief Letteney. “ ‘Chaney Bears’ are used to help bring comfort to children in need and provide opportunities to pay kindness forward, which embodies the mission of Chaney’s Champions to #ChampionOn with small tokens of kindness.” Chief Letteney added, “We encourage citizens from our local community that are interested in finding out more about how they can make a difference with this impactful organization to visit ChaneysChampions.org.”
“This outreach has been very successful in making a difference in the lives of children who have experienced a traumatic incident,” said Chief Letteney. “As we assist our local children, TPD takes great pride in the fact that we are helping Chaney’s memory to live on by providing a constant source of comfort and hope to children whose lives are facing challenges.”
For more information about Chaney’s Bears, please contact the Thomasville Police Department at (229) 227-3249 or visit Thomasville.org.
