Child Abuse Network In Tulsa Needs Stuffed Animal, Blanket Donations

When a child is abused and they end up at the Child Abuse Network, one of things that brings them comfort is a blanket and stuffed animal.

The comfort closet is usually packed with hundreds of stuffed animals and blankets. Because they give out about 100 a month, it's now running low.

The children who walk through the doors have experienced a lot of trauma.

"When they come into a facility like this where we support them with a multidisciplinary unit of support and help, it really helps them begin the healing process that they need to be comforted," Bob Beard said.

A lot of times that comfort starts with a stuffed animal to hold or a warm blanket, which each child gets to pick out and take home.

He said these items also provide a sense of safety that children might not have felt when they got here.

"When they leave, they leave with something that is of their own, that's brand new and they feel secure with a gift we've given them as they walk out," Beard said.

The Child Abuse Network has helped child abuse victims in the Tulsa area for more than 30 years who have been both physically and emotionally abused.

Beard said they couldn't fill the bear box without the help of people in the community. He said they've had a lot of kids come in recently and that cut down on their supply.

"We just had so many kids coming through than an average normal," Beard said.

They hope to get the closet re-stocked so they can continue to comfort children who are hurting.

"It's time to be able to reach back out into the community and say, 'hey this is what we need,'" Beard said.

There are multiple ways to donate to the Child Abuse Network: 

1. Choose and item from CAN's Target registry here. 
2. Purchase an item and drop it off at 2829 South Sheridan Road. 
3. Collect an item(s) and call CAN for pickup at 918-624-0200. 

For more information on how you can donate, volunteer or seek help, click here.