Crime & Safety
'Fuzzy Friends' Benefits Salem's Fire and Police Departments
Witchcraft Heights fourth-grader Danny Liberge organized the stuffed animal drive, "Fuzzy Friends," to help kids in need of comfort during tough times.
Danny Liberge is only in the fourth grade at , but he's already doing his part to help in a big way, and Salem's and departments are taking notice.
Salem Police Chief Paul Tucker and Fire Chief David Cody stopped by Danny's school Tuesday morning to pick up stuffed animals the fourth-grader collected with the help of classmates.
Members of the police and fire departments will give the stuffed animals to children in need of some comfort after they've been involved in traumatic situations.
"We're proud of Dan," said Chief Tucker. "There are so many times we encounter kids who are distressed." In tough moments, "the familiar factor" is important, the Chief said, adding that Danny's idea and passion for others "is such a great thing."
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"I'm just happy all the kids at Witchcraft donated," said Danny. Overall, Danny said he managed to collect over 100 stuffed animals, filling six bags.
Danny said the experience has motivated him to keep his eyes open for other opportunities to give back in the future.
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Jennifer Liberge, Danny's mother, said "Fuzzy Friends" was inspired by the organization Operation Smile, which works to provide police officers, firefighters and paramedics with stuffed animals, books and toys to be given to children who may be in need during those tougher moments in life.
Jennifer said she was thrilled with the "positive response" from Tucker and Cody. She also said she was pleased with the cooperation of Danny's classmates. Jennifer said students and their families "loved" the idea.
Mike Liberge, Danny's father, said he thought the idea was "super," and said his wife and son "did 100 percent of the work."
"I carried the [bags of] stuffed animals," he joked.
Witchcraft's principal and Chief Cody also had positive words for Danny.
"Danny is a role model for all the other students," said Principal Mark Higgins. "It was 100 percent his idea."
"It's a great project," said Fire Chief Cody. "It's just amazing how he's thinking about other kids...We're very proud."
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