Jessica Austin is on a mission to help local children affected by fires and other emergencies. Austin was moved to action after the fire at Crowell Elementary School to collect small stuffed animals for the local fire fighters to distribute.

“I just thought it was a good idea to replace what they handed out at the fire. (Firefighters) keep small stuffed animals with them to pass out to children who are scared,” Austin said.

 The small stuffed animals and teddy bears that Austin collects will be distributed to children at fire and other emergency scenes. Austin said that it can help calm down children at a disaster scene. Austin was nearby the Crowell Elementary School fire and said that a lot of stuffed animals were distributed. She wants to replace those toys so that the fire department will be well stocked in case of future emergencies.

“It’s important because they have something that they can give kids to make them feel better,” Austin said.

Austin is collecting small stuffed animals that are in good condition. Donations can be dropped off at Boies Medical Center at 828 Delbon Ave. in Turlock during their regular hours, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To contact Andrea Goodwin, e-mail agoodwin@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2003.