HOULTON, Maine — In an effort to provide comfort to youngsters during difficult situations, the Houlton Police Department has partnered with Adopt-a-Block of Aroostook to place care packages in each of the department’s police cruisers.
Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca said Friday that the effort was spearheaded by officer Travis Smith, who approached Tammy Goetsch of Adopt-a-Block, on ways the two groups could work together to better serve the community.
Together, they saw a need for providing resources to children who may be victims or witnesses to serious criminal matters involving family members.
To that end, four “Kidz Comfort Kits” were put together and placed in each police cruiser for times they are needed. Inside the kits are such items as stuffed animals, coloring books, reading books, and small toys.
“Juveniles and young victims often times need to be comforted or even distracted when it is a police matter,” Chief DeLuca said. “These care packages can help us redirect the negative into a more positive and relaxing environment.”
The chief added it was his hope that these kits would help foster a more community-oriented relationship with youths, showing that police officers can be more caring and friendly.
For more information on the kits, contact 532-2287.
