Kenosha's Hunter Peterson collecting stuffed animals for Kenosha Police
KENOSHA — Kenosha's Hunter Peterson has grown accustomed to giving on a day typically known for receiving.
In preparation for his 12th birthday, Peterson kicked off the sixth annual Hunter Lee Heroes stuffed animal toy drive.
Peterson has collected over 3,300 new, stuffed animals for first responders to carry to accident scenes and comfort children who might be scared or having a rough day.
Community State Bank, located at 8304 75th St. Suite #100 in Kenosha, is hosting a donation drop box through June 1.
The stuffed animals must be brand new. Used stuffed animals are not accepted.
In the past six years, Peterson has developed a close bond with Kenosha Police Department Safety Officer Tyler Cochran. Hunter drops off the toys each year at the KPD Safety Center.
“We really are able to make a huge impact, not only with those situations where you have somebody in a very stressful situation where we can comfort a kid, but now when we’re out at events, they also help us that we can interact with the community,” Cochran said.
Melissa Peterson, Hunter's mom, said she receives stuffed animals from all over the country.
“We have no idea who they were and everything,” Melissa Peterson said. “They just said thank you for helping the community.”
Hunter, who wants to be a police officer someday, said the annual event has become part of his life. He said he enjoys making people happy and has no plans to stop collecting the stuffed animals.
“One day the entire Safety Center will be full,” Hunter Peterson said.
Donations are accepted by mail at 5606 Sheridan Road, Unit 344, Kenosha, WI 53140. Monetary donations can also be made by contacting Melissa Peterson at 262-748-6896.
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