Taylorsville » The day toddler Brayden Mortensen drowned in a backyard swimming pool, police gave his 6-year-old sister a teddy bear to help comfort her.
Now 9 years old, Tami Mortensen still carries the stuffed animal, which she calls "Brayden Bear."
The little boy's loved ones have returned the kindness shown to Tami that day. Last month, members of the Mortensen family met Taylorsville police officers and firefighters at Brayden's grave to donate 300 stuffed animals for children at crime and fire scenes.
That day -- Feb. 13 -- would have been Brayden's fifth birthday. The donation was made at Redwood Memorial Cemetery in West Jordan, where the little boy is buried.
The boy drowned on June 18, 2009, when he climbed the ladder of an above-ground pool at a baby sitter's Taylorsville home and fell in. Brayden, 2, was not breathing when medical crews arrived, according to the Unified Fire Authority. Attempts to revive him failed.
"Brayden loved the water and he loved climbing," his father, Justin, said.
This was the second year that the Mortensens collected plush toys for law enforcement and firefighters. Last year, they donated about 40 of them.
The donations have grown as word about the cause has spread through newscasts and Facebook. Brayden's sisters -- Tami, Alexandria (16) and Krysti (18) -- also have told their friends .
Most of the stuffed animals are new purchases made either by friends or strangers, while some are gently used.
And the toys keep coming. Brayden's mother, Angelique, said that when the family arrived home from the cemetery on Feb. 13, a bag of stuffed animals had been left on their doorstep.
The Mortensens now are working to expand the project so they can give to other law-enforcement agencies in the area. They are in the process of setting up a foundation.
The stuffed animals are not limited to teddy bears. According to Justin Mortensen, "anything cuddly" is welcome.
Twitter: @PamelaMansonSLC Alt Heads:
Family donates stuffed animals in honor of son who drowned Want to help?
For information on how to donate a stuffed animals for children at crime and fire scenes, email the Mortensen family at [email protected] or call 801-577-1097.
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