The University Center was full of prowling tigers, climbing monkeys and hungry bears that any child would love.
The University of Memphis Pre-Law Society was taking monetary donations, stuffed animals and teddy bears Thursday.
The cotton-filled companions will go to volunteers of the Court Appointed Special Advocates program for children involved in abuse, neglect and custody cases, said Renee Bond, vice-president of the society.
Bond has first-hand knowledge of what those volunteers mean to children.
"I'm a volunteer for CASA," she said. "I had my first case -- a custody case -- and I went to the homes and met the kids and the parent. Based on the information gathered I submitted to the judge and the court, it helped him determine where to place the kids."
Specifically in neglect, abuse and adoption cases a stuffed animal can be a constant in the child's carousel life.
"Some of them do move around, some of them are in foster homes or in adoption agencies, so the (teddy bears) give them something to hold on to," said Bond. "It's something a child can hold on to when they're scared and they can take it with them wherever they go for comfort."Mekila Talley, a sophomore political science major and member of the pre-law society, said she's just doing her part.
"It's a good way to show that someone else cares about them other than just who (the children) see everyday," she said. "And they'd be excited to get a teddy bear."
CASA expanded in 1990 after encouragement from Congress and the Victims of Child Abuse Act, according to their Web site. The program now has more than 70,000 volunteers across the country helping children.Sgt. Etherton, of the Southhaven Army Career Center, stopped by to donate to the cause.
"I get fulfillment from trying to help everybody," he said. "Kids are helpless, innocent and they shouldn't be victimized by adults that know better. (The children) can't help that they're innocent and naïve. Somebody has got to take care of them."
The money received by the society will primarily go to train volunteers of CASA.
When their drive ended at 3 p.m. yesterday, the Pre-Law Society had received 10 stuffed animals. Still, they said they were satisfied considering that there was another teddy bear drive just two days ago."Whatever we get we think it's a plus," said Bond.
They hope that equals 10 less lonely kids.
