The Pampa Moose Lodge has been busy donating and delivering ‘Tommy Moose’ dolls to first responders and organizations, such as Tralee Crisis Center, The Bridge and CASA of the High Plains in Pampa.
The Tommy Moose Program is easily one of the most successful Community Service Outreach programs in the history of the Moose Fraternity. Its success lies in its simple message and uncomplicated structure.
The Tommy Moose program aids in helping children overcome fears and anxiety during times of stress. Since 2002, over 100,000 Tommy Moose plush dolls have been donated to shelters, hospitals, and emergency workers, who in turn deliver them to children in need of some comfort when facing some of life’s biggest challenges. In addition to this service, the Tommy Moose character has grown to personify happiness, safety, and security through personal appearances, books, and on children’s goods.
The National Institutes of Health recognizes that “helping children begins at the scene of the event” to combat the fear, helplessness and anxiety a child may feel during a stressful time. Other research has demonstrated that role-playing with cuddly plush dolls enables children to express feelings they may otherwise suppress.
“We have always striven to put forth programs that make our communities better places to live and raise families,” said Bill Airey, Moose International’s Director General/CEO. “Tommy Moose is one that has especially struck a chord with police, firefighters and ambulance personnel—the heroes in our communities who keep us safe and take care of us at our worst times,” he added.
