Brownwood Municipal Police Association (BMPA) donated hundreds of stuffed animals to the Heart of Texas Children’s Advocacy Center Friday morning that they have been collecting over the last few months.

The donation was made possible through a toy drive held by the BMPA and its members.  Donations came from individuals, groups such as the Girl Scouts and businesses such as Wal-Mart.

The Heart of Texas Children’s Advocacy Center opened earlier this spring in Early and serves all of Brown County.  The center is also available for use by all agencies in nearby counties as well.  The center provides services to both victims of sexual and physical abuse.  The center provides assistance to victims and assists the local criminal justice system in the prosecution of those responsible for the abuse.  Below are examples of some of the services that are provided by the center.

• A safe, child friendly, environment for victims and non-offending family members
• Counseling services to children and non-offending family members
• Public education and professional training
• Servicing children and families during the investigation process
• Child Protection Team (CPT) meetings to utilize the multidisciplinary agencies in the best way to serve the children and families
• A recorded Forensic Interview

The center is a not-for-profit organization and relies on donations and government grants for funding. Donations of these new toys and stuffed animals will help build a play area in which victims can feel safe and secure while receiving any of the various services offered by the center.  Businesses that helped collect the toys and stuffed animals included Guardian EMS, CMS Healthcare, Weakley-Watson Sporting Goods, Heartland Mall, and The Sportsman Center.

For more information about the HOTCAC or to make a donation, please contact Christy Robinson at 325-200-9464.  Monetary donations as well as single serve drinks and snacks are also appreciated, as the center provides refreshments to clients and their families and to agency representatives who are often at the center for several hours during counseling and interviews.

Pictured above are BMPA President Ray Slayton and members Brian Tompkins, Trey Weathermon, and Chandra Means with HOTCAC Executive Director Christy Robinson.