BONNIE WIGLEY sat reminiscing on the sofa, her eyes fixed on the two mismatched stuffed dogs in Luca Wigley’s lap. The house was peaceful and full of love. Bonnie traced the memory that will forever stay with her — a small and bewildered Luca clutching his stuffed friends, Rocky and Brownie, tightly. The fear in his eyes spoke volumes about the hardships he had faced at such a young age. Luca was barely 3 years old when he arrived, but he was now a ball of abundant energy and curiosity. And these two threaded companions remained his closest confidantes.
“When my son, Luca, came to us as a foster child, all he pretty much had that was salvageable was two stuffed animals. And he was totally nonverbal,” Bonnie reflected.
Luca struggled with neglect-related developmental delays. It wasn’t intellectual.
Luca understood the world around him but craved emotional security. The warmth of a hug, the security of a loving hand — all of this he found in his two cherished stuffed companions.
“They were a comfort, and they were constant. They still are,” Bonnie said.
That’s when the idea sparked. As Bonnie confided in a colleague about how much comfort the stuffed animals gave Luca, an idea took hold of them. Bonnie’s husband, a police officer, and her colleague’s husband, a firefighter, often witnessed the vulnerability of children caught in the crossfire of emergencies.
“When I hear firsthand stories of those responder experiences and how they have reached people during very dark hours of their lives, it’s utterly inspiring. When I see and hear these stories and how many brave men and women do this day in and day out, I can’t help but feel inspired to do something to lend a hand,” Bonnie explained.
The Cuddle Patrol would become a community initiative that provides first responders with stuffed animals — tangible tokens of comfort for children facing trauma. The image of Luca clutching his dogs inspired Bonnie to take action. If a simple stuffed animal could offer solace to her son, how many other children could benefit from a similar gesture of kindness?
Securing funding was an initial barrier, but Bonnie, a woman who had stared grief in the face and emerged stronger, wasn’t easily discouraged. She channeled the memory of her son, Quinn, lost to a congenital heart defect, into a relentless pursuit of her vision.
“God has a plan,” she’d told herself through tear-filled nights. “This must be part of it.”
Glenn Macbeth, senior attorney and president of Gateway Title Services, resonated with her vision. Macbeth is known for his love and generosity.
“He is a tremendous giver, personally and professionally. He’s always thinking of creative ways to make employees and other people around him feel appreciated and supported,” Bonnie enthused.
So, Gateway Title Services, with its existing commitment to volunteerism, readily embraced the Cuddle Patrol. Next camethe vital partnership with a local children’s boutique — a haven for adorable stuffed creatures. The store’s owners were instantly on board. They offered high-quality, cuddly companions at a discounted rate, ensuring each one held the potential to become a cherished friend.
The launch received an incredible outpouring of support. Local news outlets carried the story, creating a wave of community goodwill. Donations poured in, from individuals touched by the initiative to businesses eager to be a part of something special. Soon, the Cuddle Patrol headquarters — a spare room at Gateway Title Services — overflowed with fluffy friends, each awaiting the mission to comfort those who needed it. The official drop-off day arrived and swept the community away.
Bonnie knew at that moment that this was just the beginning. Her vision of expanding the program to include all first responders — police, fire, emergency medical services, and rescue — felt closer than ever.
“The blessings continue in spite of the brokenness and imperfection of it all,” she said.
With the help of the entire community, children in troubling situations can find the comfort of a stuffed furry friend to support them in their time of need.
Bonnie looked at Luca, with Rocky and Brownie cuddled securely beside him, with tears of gratitude tracing her cheeks. Luca’s touching story has sparked a beautiful movement, comforting children around the community during tough times. This initiative reminds us of the immense power of human kindness, hope that shines through the darkness, and the warmth that every cuddly companion leaves cradled in the arms of children.
“Luke 12:48 says, ‘From whom much is given, much is required, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked.’ To me, this is a command that with all the goodness I have been given, I am to direct that goodness right back into the rest of the world. I can’t imagine not sharing the hope that I have. By volunteering for different community initiatives like the Cuddle Patrol, we get the amazing opportunity to tangibly shine kindness into the community around us.” GN
