NEW ORLEANS (press release) – This holiday season, Arnaud’s Restaurant, in partnership with the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation (NOPJF), launches its 10th annual Teddy Bear Program, benefiting the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and local community.
“The Police Foundation provides our NOPD officers with the training and tools to handle almost every type of life-saving or dangerous situation. Arnaud’s Teddy Bear Program is a chance for the community to give our officers the tools to connect with our city’s most vulnerable, our children, in a meaningful way when it matters most,” said Melanie Talia, CEO of the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation.
Beginning Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, 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 Restaurant. “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.”
Throughout the collection period ending December 31st, the Teddy Bears will be collected by NOPJF personnel for distribution to NOPD officers in each district to place in their vehicles. The officers will then distribute the teddy bears 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.”
Collection bins will be placed at the below locations and accessible during normal hours of operation unless otherwise noted.
- Arnaud’s Restaurant, 813 Bienville St.
- Energy Centre, 1100 Poydras St.
- New Orleans City Hall, 1300 Perdido St.
- New Orleans & Company, 2020 St. Charles Ave.
- Orleans Parish District Attorney, 619 S White St.
- NOPD Headquarters, 715 S Broad St.
- The Rink Shopping Center, 2727 Prytania St.
- Verdad Real Estate, 865 Fulton St., Suite 400
- NOPJF Headquarters, 320 Metairie-Hammond Highway, Suite 519
