Donation to Monona first responders could help kids in crisis situations

MONONA (WKOW) -- The Monona Police and Fire Departments now have a few extra resources to help them comfort children they encounter in crisis situations.

Madison-based nonprofit REACH-A-Child donated 20 "REACH" bags to the departments. 

They're durable backpacks filled with children's books and drawstring bags. 13 will be put in squad cars and seven will be put in ambulances and fire trucks.

REACH-A-Child partners with first responders in communities across the state to help children dealing with trauma situations. Part of that effort includes delivering the books and bags.

The organization hopes that when first responders encounter a child in a crisis situation, they can provide them with the books to distract them from the source of trauma.

"What a good tool and what a good way to try to connect with kids and try to  help distract them as much as we can in the limited time that we have contact with kids in a positive way," said Monona Police Chief Brian Chaney Austin.

A donation from Metcalfe's Market helped REACH-A-Child buy hundreds of new books and backpacks for the departments.  

"We want to be part of positive interactions within the community with our peace officers," said Tim Metcalfe, president and co-owner of Metcalfe's. 

Fire Chief Jeremy McMullen says that while it's hard to measure the success of the bags, they have helped in certain situations.

"We've seen individual success with being able to calm children down," he said. "Being able to leave the books with them is a really nice thing, actually." 

McMullen encouraged the community to stop by and take a look at the bags, plus see what else they are doing that could help the community as well.