Members of the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelina football team were on hand to help distribute over 300 stuffed toy animals collected by the university’s police department for pediatric patients at Christus Spohn Hospital Kleberg. (Photo by Erika Hernandez) The Texas A&M University Kingsville Police Department donated over 300 toy stuffed animals to the pediatrics department of Christus Spohn Hospital Kleberg Tuesday.

The animals were collected when UPD Corporal Tanya Little decided to conduct a drive after she saw how a stuffed animal comforted her young son while he was in the hospital.

“My son was in the hospital and was very scared, and a volunteer came in with a stuffed animal and he was instantly relieved,” Little said.

“He liked having something to hold and still uses it even though he is out of the hospital,” she said.

It was after her son’s experience that she decided to hold a drive by setting up boxes at the TAMUK police department, and she then began sending out notices to faculty and students asking for donations.

“We sent out notices through email, KTAI radio station, TAMUK TV2, and the South Texan newspaper,” Little said.

“Through word of mouth we were able to receive bags of donations from the Kingsville community as well.”

Dr. Steven Tallant, TAMUK president, presented the donation to Norman McBride, vice president and chief operating officer of Christus Spohn Hospital Kleberg, who accepted the gift on behalf of the hospital.

“At any given time have about five or six pediatric patients here at the hospital so this donation will be used well,” Mc- Bride said.

“We would like to thank the UPD and Mrs. Little for their donation as it will bring smiles on a lot of our patients’ faces.”

Members of the Javelina football team were on hand to personally give animals to children who are currently hospitalized.

“Being able to be a part of this for the kids is great,” Javelina football player Sherman Batiste said. “It makes you realize how blessed you are.”