The Hug-A-Bear was created by Twyla Hinneberg, a member of the Telephone Pioneers' Western Plains Club at Ortonville, Minn. Members of the Western Plains Club make the bear (one can be made in 2 hours). The eyes and noses meet Federal standards so they cannot be pulled off by the children. Police officers carry bears in their cars to use when they encounter stressful situations involving children. Officers who have used the bears report that children have felt comforted and secure when they are given the bears. Situations where the bears have proven useful have been when children experience physical injury, molestation, a terrifying experience, physical or psychological abuse, and fear for a loved one.