Though difficult to think about, we must always be prepared should the unthinkable happen. For instance, what will happen in the event of a car collision that leaves parents unable to speak for their small children?
The Kiwanis Club of Carmichael recognized this concern, and with the help of a Pediatric Trauma Program (PTP) grant from the Foundation, they teamed up with various organizations to distribute child safety seat stickers from the Foundation to families with preschool-age children in their community.
These child safety seat stickers, available from the Foundation, contain the information needed to quickly identify children at the scene of a collision. Pertinent identification and health information are included, which are vital for first responders as parents and children are often separated following a collision.
With their grant award, the Kiwanis Club of Carmichael has distributed more than 5,000 child safety seat stickers to families in their community, almost doubling their initial goal! Members have distributed the stickers at various events, including back-to-school events and car seat installation events at their local sheriff’s department. They have even distributed stickers in the post-partum department of their local hospital where newborns are required to go home in car seats.
Their project has been a massive success, as reported by Sheba Jackson, a club member who helped coordinate the project. “When talking with parents about the stickers, their comments are very positive and include comments like ‘awesome’ and ‘brilliant.’ They usually ask for additional stickers for relatives and neighbors!”
The club expects to continue distributing the stickers at other community events, and they even plan to expand their target audience to children in grades K-2. “The impact of our program is immeasurable,” shares Sheba. “The parents who take the stickers comment that the benefit of the stickers is peace of mind.”