As a social services intern, a small child clung to Laura Kissel's legs and asked Kissel to take her home. "That really got to me," Kissel said.

To help children, Kissel, campus and community outreach director of the Golden Key International Honour Society at MTSU and Society President Tiffany Graziano, founded the "Teddy Bears and Backpacks" drive.

Teddy bears and backpacks will be distributed to children who are displaced, involved in crashes, removed from homes or need "something to hold onto," she said.

"One of my passions is to touch as many of these children's lives when they're young to give them a good perspective on law enforcement and help," Kissel said. "You can do that as simple as a teddy bear and a backpack. One kind gesture goes a long way."

Sheriff Robert Arnold thanked the merchants who are supporting the drive.

"These children may have a teddy bear to cling to for comfort in tough times," Sheriff Arnold said.

School Resource Officer Gregg Speck joined in the drive.

"I think teddy bears and backpacks will comfort children in trying and devastating situations that occur in their lives," SRO Speck said.

Kissel and Speck and other volunteers will collect new teddy bears and backpacks or cash donations at Sam's Club April 18 and 19^th at John Rice Boulevard. She hopes to collect 1,000 backpacks and teddy bears for Rutherford County children.

Teddy bears and backpacks will be collected at: