By Patricia Coulter

Movie Gallery in Ardmore conducted a Hometown Hugs program during the month of September. The goal of Hometown Hugs is to make frightening experiences a little easier for children.

Movie Gallery collected over 100 new, huggable size stuffed animals in September. The stuffed animals were donated to the Ardmore 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 appreciate the tremendous response to this project,” said Tammy Rogers, manager of the Ardmore Movie Gallery.

“Two of the toys were donated by a mother whose son had died of a brain tumor.”

Movie Gallery employee Courtney McDougal, left, and Ardmore Police Chief Doc Oliver display some of the over 100 stuffed animals collected during the Hometown Hugs campaign in September at Movie Gallery in Ardmore which were donated to the Ardmore Police Department to be distributed to children involved in accidents. (photo by Patricia Coulter)