Calmness and relief are how those who've experienced a traumatic event feel when they receive a teddy bear from a Castle Rock police officer or victim advocate.

"(It's) something that they can hold. Something that's tangible," Victim Advocate Marsha Davenport said.

Thankful is how those involved with the Town Police Department's Victims Assistance Unit felt this month after receiving a donation of about 160 teddy bears for distribution to people of all ages who have been affected by crime or other agonizing events, such as illness or the loss of a loved one.

A trio from Douglas County High School - retiring teacher Jack Plummer and students Stephen Kissler, who graduated this year, and Kelli Hicks, who will be a senior next school year - brought forth the donation.

Studies have shown teddy bears are one of the most comforting objects for someone experiencing a traumatic event, Victims Assistance Coordinator Carole Malezija said. Police officers and victim advocates keep bears in their cars and offer them as a source of reassurance during difficult situations.

Students and staff at the High School and the community at large made the recent donation possible by contributing to a fund designated specifically for the purchase of bears for the Victims Assistance Unit.

Donations to the fund have been providing for bears for victims for about a dozen years, Malezija said. The partnership with the school began about six years ago. Plummer has worked with students to buy bears about once every two years.

Said Davenport: "You can't say enough kind things about (Plummer). He's the one that really got the program running." And the bears, she said, are "really soft and cuddly and sweet."

Those who'd like to assist victims not only by providing them a teddy bear but also in other aspects can apply to become a volunteer victim advocate.