MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — Thanks to an organization that works with survivors of domestic violence, the Combat Center Provost Marshal’s Office is now equipped with an ample supply of stuffed animals and plush toys to assist with calls wherein children are present.
Officer Justin Gardiner, PMO reached out to representatives from a non-profit, Kadyn’s Place, to receive more tools to use during domestic violence calls. The represntatives visited the installation March 14, 2017, to deliver 36 stuff animals.
“We were happy to get these stuffed animals to help the children that are associated with these types of crimes,” said Kim Howell, director of business operations, Kadyn’s Place. “This is the first amount of toys we plan on donating to this base.”
According to its website, Kadyn’s Place works to bridge the gap between the military and civilian resources that exist for anyone who is a victim of domestic violence. The stuffed animals help comfort the children and distract them from the stressful situation that may be happening within their families.
“We don’t know what types of calls we will receive or when,” said Officer Gilbert Chavez, PMO. “However, as long as we have [these stuffed animals] as part of the gear that we bring along with us, we will be better prepared.”
According to Chaves, Gardiner’s idea stemmed from a concept he uses. He brought the idea up to his superiors and laid the ground work to find an organization to help them get the resources to better help the people aboard the base.
“We hope that by bringing these toys to the officers here, the children will remember that officers and Marines are there to help them,” Howell said.