A LITTLE TLC FROM THE CHP DOLLS TO HELP COMFORT KIDS.

Byline: Greg Botonis Staff Writer

LANCASTER - Antelope Valley children injured in car crashes or involved in traumatic events will be given Chipper dolls to console them, thanks to a donation from the Palmdale Woman's Club.

The 20 dolls are stuffed animals in California Highway Patrol uniforms, which CHP officers will carry in their patrol cars.

``What these women did in saving their money for this project and buying these dolls for kids, they really don't realize what they did for those children that will get them,'' said CHP Capt. Brian Smith, commander of the Lancaster station.

CHP officers frequently come across children who have been injured or watch as their parents are taken away in ambulances or helicopters.

CHP officers not only respond to crashes throughout the county roads and highways but also to family disturbances in those areas and school bus crashes. They are also called in on occasion to assist the Sheriff's Department if extra manpower is needed.

``Sometimes, I think it's as much a comfort for the officer as it is the child,'' Smith said.

The money was raised by the women of the club as part of an annual project called the President's Project. The club president decides on a project to benefit the community.

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Photo:

(1 -- 2 -- color) Chipper, left, is the name of a cuddly stuffed toy decked out in a California Highway Patrol uniform donated for kids by the Palmdale Woman's Club. Below, Helen Cleveland, club president, and CHP Capt. Brian Smith hold a clutch of Chippers.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer