FARMINGTON, Conn., Aug. 25, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When domestic violence, natural disasters, accidents or other traumatic experiences strike Connecticut families, innocent, vulnerable children are often the real victims. Possible long-term emotional effects on a child can be offset by the investigating police officer in the form of something as simple as offering the child a teddy bear.

But teddy bears can be costly and supplies won't last forever. That's why Highland Park Market stores, along with the support of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, is stepping in to bring a new program called ``Bears for Kids'' to life, beginning today, August 25, 2008 at 8 a.m. Store locations include Manchester, Glastonbury, South Windsor, Suffield, Farmington, and Coventry.

Highland Park Market will launch this first-of-its-kind program through its stores and on its Web site (http://www.highlandparkmarket.com) to help supply the nearly 100 town police departments and state police barracks around the state with those special bears that can mean love and comfort to innocent children whose lives have been upended by trauma.

Shoppers throughout the state, who want to purchase one or more bears for $5 each, can do so easily at any of Highland Park Market locations or through the Highland Park Market Web site. Cards highlighting the donor's name(s) will be prominently displayed in all the stores.

``This program is long overdue and I cannot say enough times how excited we are to be working with the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association to make it happen,'' said Tim Devanney, Highland Park Market CEO. ``Our hope is that in short order, we will build the supply to beyond capacity in each police department and barracks.''

Added Devanney, ``No child deserves to have his or her innocence placed in jeopardy. 'Bears for Kids' is a win-win for everyone who gets involved.''

          Connecticut Police Chiefs Association
          Pamela D. Hayes
          860-586-7506

          Steven Gaynes Communications 
          Steven Gaynes
          203-767-6645
          sgaynes@yahoo.com