This holiday season, Arnaud’s Restaurant, in partnership with the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation (NOPJF), will host its third annual Teddy Bear Program, benefiting the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD), and local communities. Since its inception in 2014, the program has raised more than 2,000 teddy bears for police to hand out to children they encounter while on duty.
“The success of this program lies in the impact we are making on the community and local youth,” said Michael Harrison, Superintendent of Police for the NOPD. “Our officers are as grateful for passing out the teddy bears as the kids receiving them, and that’s all thanks to our partners at Arnaud’s Restaurant and NOPJF who make that possible.”
Beginning November 24, Arnaud’s customers and the public are encouraged to donate new teddy bears at designated collection sites. At the end of the collection period, December 31, the teddy bears will be donated to NOPD and BRPD officers to place in their vehicles to distribute to children who have been traumatized due to tragedy or victimization.
“This program encapsulates the true spirit of the holiday season,” says Katy Casbarian, co-owner of Arnaud’s Restaurant. “We’re excited to make this program bigger and better to respond to the need from the NOPD. To do that, we’re humbled by the handful of other local organizations who have come on board to support this great cause, to allow greater reach and longevity of the program.”
Collection bins will be placed at the below locations and accessible during normal hours of operation, unless otherwise noted.
For Arnaud’s Customers:
Arnaud’s Restaurant
813 Bienville Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
6 p.m. nightly
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday Jazz Brunch
*Special holiday hours
For General Public:
NOPJF
400 Poydras Street, Suite 2105
New Orleans, LA 70130
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday – Friday
New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau
2020 St. Charles Avenue (lobby)
New Orleans, LA 70130
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
Arnaud’s Restaurant is located at 813 Bienville Street. For reservations and more information, visit www.arnaudsrestaurant.com.