It’s often a traumatic experience for children when law enforcement is involved in a domestic situation that leads to the child being removed from the home.
For years, the women of Russellville’s North Highlands Church of Christ have made stuffed bears for officers to give to children in these difficult times. Recently, they decided to do something different and started making blankets for officers to use in these situations.
A generous discount from CVS Pharmacy allowed the ladies to purchase fleece blankets at a cost less than it would be to make them, so they bought a load of blankets and donated them to the Russellville Police Department and Franklin County Department of Human Resources.
RPD chief Chris Hargett said the blankets would be issued to each officer to keep on hand in his or her patrol vehicle. When they run low on blankets, the women’s group has pledged to purchase more.
“It’s something that will help especially with kids in situations where they’re distraught or upset,” Hargett said. “Some kids get attached to certain things, so they can stay warm with the blanket and also may be able to use it as a comfort item.”
Martha Sibley, a North Highlands church member, said the women’s group wanted to do something to help children, and with the cold weather season approaching, blankets were the perfect idea.
“When they have to go out and bring a child out of his or her home with nothing but the clothes on their back, we want them to have a blanket for a little security and warmth this winter,” Sibley said. “We used to do care bears, but we decided this year to do fleece blankets.”
Sibley said the blanket donations will be an ongoing program with the church.
“The police and DHR were thrilled with the idea,” she said. “The church gave us some money, and we made some blankets. Then CVS let us have them so cheap, we couldn’t make them for that price, so we bought several from there to donate.”
Hargett said the blanket program was another way that the community supports law enforcement.
“It’s a creative way to help children who might face difficult situations,” Hargett said. “We really appreciate the women of North Highlands.”
