The Germantown Police Department received 17 first responder bags today to help children deal with crisis situations as part of the REACH-A-Child™ program, thanks to a $5,000 contribution from AT&T Wisconsin that is helping provide bags to first responders across Wisconsin.
The program provides local police, sheriffs, EMTs and fire departments with First Responder REACH BAGs that contain a variety of children’s books that are given to children at the scene of an accident, house fire or other crisis. The goal is to redirect the children’s attention from the crisis at hand, allowing them to experience an educational escape from their fears.
“When children are facing a crisis situation like a car accident or domestic disturbance, our mission is to help first responders engage them in a positive way through the power of a book,” said Curtis Fuszard, Executive Director of REACH-A-Child. “Thanks to this generous donation from AT&T, we are able to provide the Germantown Police Department with REACH BAGs that first responders can use to help comfort children in need.”
Each First Responder REACH BAG contains a variety of children’s books (total of 20 books) and 20 drawstring backpacks that are given to children, one book and bag at a time, at the scene of an accident, fire or other crisis.
“We are proud to help support this nonprofit’s mission to provide a book to comfort every child in crisis.”
Scott VanderSanden — President, AT&T Wisconsin
“REACH-A-Child is a wonderful organization that is helping first responders comfort children who are often dealing with very stressful and traumatic situations,” said Scott VanderSanden, president of AT&T Wisconsin. “We are proud to help support this nonprofit’s mission to provide a book to comfort every child in crisis.”
Since 2014, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation have contributed $34,000 to support REACH-A-Child.
REACH-A-Child is a Madison-based nonprofit that partners with first responders in many communities across the state. Its mission is to provide first responders with REACH BAGs filled with books and drawstring backpacks to help comfort children in crisis. To learn more, please visit: http://reachachild.org/.
AT&T’s support is part of AT&T Believesâ„ – a company-wide effort to create positive change in our local communities. AT&T Believes harnesses employee engagement, supports it with company resources, and joins with area organizations and non-profits to make an even bigger impact on local communities and society at large.
