Members of Melha Shriners, the Chicopee Fire Department and Police Department along with Mayor Vieau accept donations that can help children deal with stress during traumatic events.
Photo credit: Melha Shriners and the city of Chicopee – Mayor’s Office.
CHICOPEE — The Melha Shriners along with area Masons presented a special donation to Chicopee First Responders on Dec. 17 at Chicopee Fire Department Station #3 located at 96 Cabot St.
As part of their ongoing statewide initiative known as Project Delta, named after its founder, Delta Lodge in Braintree, the program provides first responders with free “comfort kits” to give to area children experiencing traumatic situations like fires, domestic calls and severe automobile accidents.
The Chicopee Police Department and Fire Department have collaborated for the first time to provide the Responder Comfort Kits to children who experience trauma during emergencies.
First responders would have these kits available in their vehicles to provide when the moment arose.
Photo credit: Melha Shriners and the city of Chicopee – Mayor’s Office.
Michael White, who serves as the regional director for the Northeastern U.S. and Eastern Canada on the Imperial Marketing and Communications Committee for Shriners International, talked about being able to donate the comfort kits to Chicopee.
As new residents of Chicopee, he said the organization wanted to make an important contribution to its community.
“Masons and Shriners believe in providing emotional and financial support to those in need in our neighborhoods,” White stated. “During the holiday season, it is even more important to be there for those who may be experiencing struggles. The stress of the holidays can be amplified by other major challenges like fires, domestic cases, automobile accidents or health concerns.”
These gift kits can help alleviate the stress of these emergency situations which can be even more stressful this time of year with the holidays and winter weather adding to the turmoil.
Each kit contains a cuddly plush animal and other items in a reusable storage pouch.
White acknowledged that first responders encounter residents facing these challenges during the course of their workdays.
“Being able to create a sense of calm and trust with children during these visits is extremely important. Since most children already have a strong relationship with plush toys, it makes sense to provide them one during a stressful moment. The tote bag it comes with can be a useful tool in carrying emergency supplies or clothing should they need to change location due to fire or other domestic issues,” White explained.
For children in crisis, this plush item can help reduce their stress during difficult times while the pouch can be used to help carry important personal items to their next location in the event of a relocation or fire.
Since its inception, Project Delta has given away thousands of plush toys to children in need through this First Responders program and is now serving 15 states. The Melha Shriners plan to continue their support of this initiative by making donations minimally on an annual basis to local police, fire and emergency medical services throughout the catchment area of Western Massachusetts.
This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of the City of Chicopee, Melha Shriners, and our first responders to care not only for public safety, but for the emotional well-being of our youngest residents.
Chicopee Police Officer Travis Odiorne stated, “The department is very grateful for the donations that we received. They will go a long way with helping children in stressful situations, while providing comfort in their time of need.
Mayor John Vieau talked about the collaboration on behalf of the city and said, “I am truly pleased with the collaboration between our city and the Melha Shriners. Project Delta is a meaningful and impactful initiative that will make a difference in ways we may not fully realize until moments of crisis arise, especially during emergency situations involving children. Programs like this provide comfort, reassurance and compassion when it is needed most. I am proud of our city and grateful to the Melha Shriners for integrating this important initiative.”
For more information on Project Delta, readers can visit projectdelta.boston or visit the Melha Shriners site at melhashriners.org and learn how you can help through donations or volunteering.
