Platteville & Cuba City Police Departments Receive REACH-A-Child™ First Responder Bags, Thanks to $4,000 Donation from AT&T

 

Program Provides Free Books to Help Comfort Children in Crisis

 

 

PLATTEVILLE, Monday, November 27, 2017 – The Platteville Police Department and the Cuba City Police Department each received first responder bags today to help children deal with crisis situations as part of the REACH-A-Child™ program, thanks to a $4,000 donation from AT&T 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 or other domestic 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 crisis situations like a car accident or domestic disturbance, our mission is to help First Responders engage these children 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 will be able to provide the Platteville and Cuba City Police Departments 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 10 books) and 10 backpacks that are given to children, one book and bag at a time, at the scene of an accident or other domestic crisis.  Each REACH BAG is then refilled at least once with 10 more books and backpacks during the year as needed. 

 

“Through the REACH-A-Child program, first responders are able to engage children facing trauma in a positive way through the power of a book,” said State Representative Travis Tranel.  “It is wonderful to see companies like AT&T helping first responders in our communities provide comfort to children in crisis.”  

 

REACH-A-Child™ is a Madison-based nonprofit that partners with first responders in many communities across the state.  To learn more, please visit: http://reachachild.org/

 

“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 T. 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.”

 

The AT&T Wisconsin Innovation & Investment Award program provides funding to local organizations that enhance and give back to their communities. The program is focused on awarding grants to organizations and programs that improve the community by advancing education, enhancing the environment, promoting economic development or delivering other community services. 

 

For more information, contact:              

Jessica Erickson, AT&T

608.692.5340

Jessica.Erickson@att.com