Toy monkey sold for firefighter fund

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -- Mike the Monkey might not be fighting any fires, but he will be helping firefighters.

The stuffed toy dressed in a New York City fireman's shirt, red suspenders and hat is being sold to raise money for the Firemen's Widows and Children's Fund.

Plattsburgh firefighter Gary Brandsetter was in New York City for training when the World Trade Center was attacked. He and other upstate firefighters volunteered their help, but wanted to do more.

Brandsetter came up with the idea of a toy monkey dressed in a firefighter's outfit.

The toy is being made by World Wide Monkey, owned by the original founder of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. All profits from the $49.95 toys will benefit the families of firefighters who died Sept. 11.