The PASO (Put A Smile On) Committee purchases and distributes Teddy bears to emergency service organizations for distribution to persons in traumatic situations.   Each year Assistance League of El Paso provides 500 bears to local agencies.

Every police car, fire truck, and ambulance has a cuddly friend tucked away in their vehicle.  When a situation arises and someone needs calming, PASO Bears are ready to go to work.  They may calm a child who needs medical attention.  Many recipients keep their bears for years after their traumatic event.

Local KVIA weather personality Iris Lopez remembers receiving her bear as a preschooler while being driven to the hospital in an ambulance.  She was given the bear to calm her during the crisis.  The bear would then accompany her to school every day to relieve stress.

While working at a Municipal Court, Michelle White recalls receiving a PASO Bear from a police officer soon after her husband passed away.  “It meant so much to me.   I have kept him ever since”.

Agencies who receive PASO Bears:

  • Center Against Family and Sexual Violence

  • El Paso Child Crisis Center

  • El Paso County Sheriff Office

  • El Paso Fire Department

  • El Paso Police Department Central Command Center

  • Mission Valley Regional Command Center

  • EPPD Northeast Regional Command Center

  • EPPD Pebble Hills Regional Command Center

  • EPPD Westside Regional Command Center

  • La Posada Home

  • Ronald McDonald House

  • West Valley Fire Department (Vinton)