Alabama State Troopers Sgt. Donald R. Shepard Jr., Cpl.Kevin Bell, Cpl. Christopher King and Senior Trooper Reginal King made a visit Thursday to Vaughan Regional Medical Center, where they handed out trooper teddy bears to sick children that will be spending the holiday in the hospital this year.

“It’s a tradition that’s been going on for over 25 years, and it’s something that the troopers do in an attempt to give back,” Reginal said. “We’re delivering teddy bears trying to bring about a smile on those faces that are going to be confined to the hospital during this Christmas season.”

Reginal said presenting the teddy bears to children is always a highlight of the season for him. Even though the children are sick and in the hospital, he said it’s a good feeling to put a smile on their face.

“It makes me feel really good. It’s a form of giving back and it’s something that we look forward to doing every year,” Reginal said.

“The smiles that are placed on those children’s faces, they’re priceless. Sometimes the joy is overwhelming and it’s indescribable.”

Shepard said he enjoys being able to brighten the day of a child, especially those that probably won’t be spending Christmas morning unwrapping presents at home.

“Me personally, this is my favorite part of the year because it’s all about giving and the real reason for the season, so we get a chance to give back and show that we’re concerned and we’re giving also,” Shepard said. “It makes me light up to see the children excited. When they smile, I smile.”