Bonney Lake highschooler Morgan Hopen recently donated several dozen home-made stuffed animals to the Bonney Lake Police Department.

She said her grandmother bought a new sewing machine and taught her how to sew, and before she knew it, she had way too many stuffed animals just for herself.

She was a part of last year’s Citizens Academy, which is why she thought of donating them to the police department.

Bonney Lake police officers often encounter children on various calls like car accidents and domestic disputes, said Sgt. Ryan Boyle, and the stuffed animals can help calm a child down and allow an officer to talk with them.

“This is a great gift from Morgan and it will continue to help a child in need; with hopes of turning a negative impact into a positive, or tears into a smile, and for that we are grateful,” Boyle said.

Donations of stuffed animals can be made by contacting CSO Nate Alvord at alvordn@ci.bonney-lake.wa.us.