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  • Gisele Schaeffer, a retired teacher, presents Edgecombe County Sheriff James Knight with more of her handmade stuffed bears. Knight’s deputies give the bears to children, often in distress, that they encounter on calls. Schaeffer also makes the bears for John Hopkins Hospital. FOR THE DAILY SOUTHERNER

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August 3, 2012

Bears help kids in distress cope

THE DAILY SOUTHERNER Calvin Adkins

TARBORO — When Gisele Schaeffer was on an Edgecombe County prospective juror list, she saw a child in the courtroom hugging a stuffed bear. Paying more attention to that child than what was going on in the court room, the idea to make stuffed bears and give them to children who are in distress began to blossom in her mind.

That blossom turned into a budding rose four years ago, when Schaeffer began making bears for Edgecombe County Sheriff's Department for deputies to give to children who are on the scene during their investigations. Schaeffer also makes stuffed bears for Baltimore's Johns Hopkins Hospital.

"As a child, I always loved stuffed animals," she said. "My mother used to make them. Then, when I saw that little child in court, I wanted to make some and give them to children.

"I thought about making them for (Edgecombe County) Sheriff James Knight and John Hopkins Hospital and both of them were receptive to the idea. I hope the bear teaches them (children) compassion and love."

Schaeffer's love for kids can also be traced back to her teaching in the Edgecombe County Public Schools for several years. She said she enjoyed her experience with children. As a retired educator, her venture with making stuff bears is another way to allow her to keep in touch with children.

Knight said his deputies mostly use the bears at domestic violence scenes, but will offer the stuffed animals to any child during any situation when the deputy believes the child is in distress.

"When our deputies are on a scene where children are involved, it really touches them to see that they are in distress," Knight said. "These stuffed bears allow the deputies to relieve some of their stress by giving them to the children and, at the same time, it makes the children feel better. These bears mean a lot more to the children and this department than Mrs. Schaeffer will ever know."

Schaeffer makes the bears on her sewing machine and each has it's own personality and rarely has she ever made two bears exactly the same. She did admit that sometimes she likes her creation so much that she keeps it for herself.

Schaeffer recently donated a unique set of a dozen bears to the Sheriff's Department — unique because they each wore coats. After Knight did a deputy count, he realized he needed more. Schaeffer nodded her head and told him she would make more.

The retired educator is also a stuffed animal collector. Amongst her collection is a bear that was made by her mom.

"When I was a little girl, my mom made a stuffed bear and I still have it today," she said. "It's still in good shape. That's another reason why I like making them. Plus it gives me pleasure.

"I never wanted to make money," she added. "I just do it for the kids. That little girl in the courthouse told it all."

 

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Barrett Flowe, of Midland, drives Pay Dirt during the 2012 Pinetops 300. He and many others will be on hand this weekend at the annual tractor and truck pull.

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  • BIG FISH
Opinion
  • We Salute...

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Lifestyles
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  • Edgecombe Events May 17

    Edgecombe Events should be submitted by noon the day before publication. Items eligible include notices of local meetings and activities of non-profit organizations, clubs, schools and civic groups in the community. Information should be brief and typewritten, neatly printed or via e-mail. Questions? 823-3106 or e-mail: events@dailysoutherner.com. Leave  a daytime contact phone number.

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