The Eden Prairie Police Department has recently partnered with the non-profit organization R.E.A.C.H. (Reading Enjoyment Affects Childhood Happiness) a Child to launch a program designed to provide books to children during times of crisis. R.E.A.C.H. a Child raises money and accepts book donations from corporations and individuals in order to purchase backpacks filled with 10-12 children’s books that police officers can distribute to children in difficult situations such as accidents, fires, domestic disturbances or traffic stops.
The gift of books to children during difficult incidents serves several purposes. First, the books can help take the child’s mind off of the challenging situation and second, the books can help an officer break the ice with a child and help them see the officer in a positive light.
On June 15 representatives from R.E.A.C.H. a Child gave 50 backpacks to the Eden Prairie Police Department to be distributed amongst the department’s squad cars for use in Eden Prairie. Police officers do unfortunately have to handle difficult and tragic situations involving children. The gift of book-filled backpacks is a tool to help to ease the suffering of those children. If you’d like to learn more about the R.E.A.C.H. a Child program, visit them on the web at www.reachachild.org.
