The Exchange Club of Murfreesboro donated 200 stuffed animals to Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) Tuesday.

The Sesame Street characters were purchased by the organization and given to MFRD First Responders for handing out to children involved in a traumatic event.

Stuffed animals assist public safety departments in calming children during stressful times. This could include an automobile accident, fire, injury or illness, or a medical call involving an injured or ill family member. Often times the animals allow firefighters, police officers, and ambulance personnel to gain the trust of a distraught child so they can assess the situation.

President Don Wright of The Exchange Club of Murfreesboro said members, "chose to provide this tool to be used by the firefighters for children who might be involved in a serious situation and need comforting - a calming effort."

Members gathered at Tuesday night's meeting to label and organize the stuffed Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monsters before donating to MFRD.

"We are very grateful for this donation," said Assistant Chief of Medical Services Kim Lawson.

The animals were distributed to 15 MFRD apparatus Wednesday.