A Hometown Hugs program is in progress through September at Movie Gallery in Ardmore.The goal of Hometown Hugs is to make frightening experiences a little easier for children.

Movie Gallery is collecting new, clean stuffed animals throughout September. The new plush animals should be about 14 inches tall.

The stuffed animals collected will be donated to the Police Department. Officers responding to accidents or domestic violence incidents will have the toys in their car to give to children involved. Along with helping the children during these trying incidents, the program also helps prevent children from being afraid of the police.

“We do not need tiny, keychain size animals nor do we need 4-feet tall ones,” said Tammy Rogers, manager of the Ardmore Movie Gallery. “The ones that are approximately 14 inches tall are a nice, huggable size for children.”

Customers who donate a new stuffed animal during September will receive a free movie rental.

“This is a way of giving back to our community and comforting children through some frightening experiences in their lives,” Rogers added.