A trio of young Carmel residents, Miles, Gabriel and Grey Pello, recently presented Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter with a stuffed rhinoceros.
The presentation was the beginning of an effort by Miles Pello to provide stuffed rhinoceros for every police officer in the state.
Photo provided
It began when the kids were talking about what they want to be when they grow up. Miles said he wants to be a police officer, like his Poppa. Miles asked his mother, Stephanie Pello, if officers ever get sad. She explained that they sometimes see bad or scary things and probably get sad a lot. Miles then asked if police officers have stuffed animals to hug when they’re sad.
When he learned they don’t, he decided he needed to give EVERY police officer a stuffy. Later, he told his mom he wanted the stuffed animal to be a rhino, because they’re big and strong – like police officers. That day, Rhinos for Rockstars was born.
Miles’ next presentation should provide stuffed rhinos to every officer in the next graduating class at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
Miles is still in need of rhinos. If you would like to get involved there are a few ways to help. Visit the Rhinos for Rockstars Facebook page, or order an Aurora – Mini Flopsie – 8″ Rhino, Multi off Amazon and have it delivered to Rhinos for Rockstars, P.O. Box 4485, Carmel IN 46082. You can also send a cash donation via Venmo to @mamabearcarpentry.
Carmel police officer Molly Gregory accepts a rhino from Miles, Gabriel and Grey Pello. (Photo provided)
Department of Correction officer Jeff Groh accepts a rhino from Miles, Gabriel and Grey Pello. (Photo provided)