SARASOTA, FLORIDA – Aug. 18, 2026 -The State College of Florida Law Club, led by Dr. Suzanne Bechtol, has completed a community service project that resulted in the donation of more than 300 stuffed animals to Sarasota County police officers and firefighters.

The animals will be used to comfort children encountering first responders during traumatic situations, including abuse, accidents, house fires and other emergencies. Law enforcement and fire rescue agencies across the country routinely keep comfort items on hand for these moments, when a young child’s first contact with a stranger in uniform comes during one of the worst days of their life.

The project gained momentum after Kristen Conti, a paralegal student at State College of Florida and broker-owner of Peacock Premier Properties  in Englewood, asked her community for support. The response, organizers said, was overwhelming.

Sarah Marie Gleba, owner of Arctic Alligator Creamery, volunteered her business as a community drop-off location, giving residents a convenient way to contribute throughout the collection period.

Community volunteer Bobbe Shively donated nearly two-thirds of the stuffed animals collected for the drive, a contribution organizers credited with pushing the project well past its original goal.

“I hope these bring comfort to the children of Sarasota County and support our local agencies,” Bechtol said.

The stuffed animals will be distributed through Sarasota County police and fire rescue personnel, who will keep them on hand for use during calls involving children in crisis.

For the Law Club, the drive doubled as a hands-on lesson in community organizing for students studying toward careers in law and legal support services, pairing coursework with direct outreach to local businesses, volunteers and residents.

About the State College of Florida Law Club
The State College of Florida Law Club is a student organization dedicated to advancing the legal assistant and paralegal profession, connecting members with legal professionals in the community, and participating in activities that promote solutions to civic issues. Open to students in SCF’s Paralegal Studies program and led by Dr. Suzanne Bechtol, the club pairs professional development with hands-on community service. For more information, visit scf.edu. Scf