The Crime Victims Advocate Programs, St. Thomas/St. John district is soliciting donations of teddy bears for children who have been traumatized. Leslye Webb, victim advocate, says the teddy bears are meant to provide comfort to the smallest territory’s smallest youngest victims of crime.

Webb, and her St. Croix district counterpart Ninafe Giron, serve as the liaison between the victim, their families and the Police Department. Webb says that many of the children the advocates serve have witnessed violent crime. The teddy bear collection stemmed from a desire to give the children something tangible. “These children just need something to hold on to – something to hug,” Webb says.

Donations of teddy bears or other stuffed toys can be dropped of at any police station in the St. Thomas/St. John district.

Webb is also getting ready to implement another program – this one to reach out to non-English speakers and immigrants who have been victimized. According to Webb, there is evidence to suggest that crimes are not being reported because the victim is concerned about their immigration status. “The Crime Victims Advocate program is planning a series of town meetings to talk about victimization from a law enforcement perspective. We want to allay concerns that reporting a crime will not affect a person’s immigration status,” Webb explains.

For more information on teddy bear donations or the upcoming town meetings, please contact Leslye Webb at (340) 715-5505.