(Grandville, MI) – First Responders Children’s Foundation, the non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to children who’ve lost a first responder parent, today announced that it will continue its efforts to support families in Michigan by distributing free backpacks in various cities across the state during the 2021 back-to-school season. First responder agencies interested in free backpacks for kids in their neighborhoods should email toys@1strcf.org to set up a distribution.
“As a Foundation, our central mission is to create strong relationships with first responder agencies and assist them in fostering partnerships within their community” said Jillian Crane, President of First Responders Children’s Foundation. “By providing backpacks to distribute, these nonprofit, public-private relationships are helping to grow trust with the community’s youth, who need our help now more than ever. These community building events in Michigan are another step towards the goal of bringing police officers and their communities together, providing a one-to-one platform that fosters new, positive relationships. By establishing bonds with the children they serve, the police officer’s ability to provide mentorships is enhanced in a way that says ‘we care about you.’”
For 20 years, First Responders Children’s Foundation has focused on the social and emotional well-being of the children of first responders. Now more than ever, these kids are faced with undeniable stress—in the COVID and post-COVID world, schools have been closed, learning has been remote, and kids have had severely limited social interaction. This combination of challenges has taken its toll. Additionally, many of these same children experienced hardship and loss within their own families. “The Power of Play” can help unlock the healing that they need, because the benefits of play include gaining confidence, managing stress and anxiety, resisting negative social pressure, resolving conflicts, making decisions, and developing relationship skills.
The program is also made possible by the generous support of organizations that are aligned with FRCF’s mission and support the benefits of play in the development of a well-rounded and healthy child. Toys For Tots and Good 360 have both partnered with First Responders Children’s Foundation to launch “The Power of Play”. These two organizations have realized that now, more than ever, children need to unplug from their devices and engage in activities that support their growth and well-being.
About First Responders Children’s Foundation
For 20 years, First Responders Children’s Foundation has been providing college scholarships to the children of first responder parents who have been injured or lost in the line of duty. The Foundation also awards grants to families enduring significant financial hardship and supports educational activities and programs created by first responder organizations to benefit children or the communities in which they live. The First Responders Children’s Foundation Emergency Response Fund provides financial hardship grants, PPE, and hotel accommodations to first responders on the front lines of the pandemic. The Foundation also pays for funerals of first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice. More information about First Responders Children’s Foundation is available at www.1stRCF.org.
Follow First Responders Children’s Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @1stRCF
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