Nearly half of American children will be exposed to some sort of trauma by the time they reach adulthood.
It’s often a police officer who sees firsthand the stress a child goes through, as law enforcement are typically first on scene at the emergencies or disturbances that cause adverse childhood experiences.
Rotarians in Arkadelphia are offering some hope and comfort for local children who experience trauma. The Rotary Club of Arkadelphia-Sunset provided the Arkadelphia Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office with “emergency community packs” — backpacks containing an assortment of comforting goodies to help ease children’s anxiety when put through a stressful or traumatic situation.
As noted in the 2024 edition of Arkadelphia Life magazine that featured initiatives by local Rotary clubs, the idea behind this project started when a Rotarian, at the scene of a house fire, noticed two distressed boys sitting and weeping on a curb across the street from their smoldering home. Displaying the true essence of Rotary’s motto ‘Service Above Self’, the Rotarian approached the young boys and asked what he could do to bring them comfort. Moments later, he returned with sodas and snacks in hand, providing the children with solace and comfort.
The tale found its way back to the Rotary club, where it inspired an idea. The spark ignited by this act of kindness led to the creation of emergency packs designed to aid community members in times of crisis. The club successfully wrote a grant application, securing the funds necessary to bring the project to life.
Each backpack includes a vacuum-sealed bag containing coloring and activity books, crayons, a fidget toy, granola bar, hygiene items and a teddy bear. Each bag is wrapped in a fleece blanket.
The Rotary Club delivered the backpacks to the two law enforcement agencies on May 2, 2024, for placement in patrol vehicles.
“I’ve witnessed many times that something such as this can help ease the mind and calm a child in the middle of a chaotic situation,” Clark County Sheriff Jason Watson said. “We are very appreciative of this resource that helps officers perform to their best ability.”
Arkadelphia Police Chief Jason “Shorty” Jackson echoed the sheriff: “I’d like to thank Rotary for providing stocked children’s backpacks for each patrol unit. Often our officers encounter children who are having their worst day. The items in the backpacks will help comfort them and provide them with items to distract them from a bad situation.”
Rotary International consists of 1.4 million members who use their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs. Rotary’s 46,000+ clubs worldwide share a responsibility to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, sanitation and hygiene, save mothers and children, support education, grow local economies and protect the environment.