MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A nonprofit is helping firefighters put out more than just flames. Reach a Child partners with first responders across Wisconsin to help comfort children in crisis through reach bags, which have books in them.

Curt Fuszard, the executive director of Reach a Child, joined WMTV on Thursday to talk about the organization and the difference it is looking to make with its upcoming event.

Fuszard explained that 370 fire departments are currently using the backpacks and said they are a key tool to helping children stay calm.

“They’re probably having the worst day of their life and all they really want is to get back to normal so the first responder can provide comfort through his or her presence,” said Fuszard. “But can also distract the child from the source of the trauma by looking at the book and spending time with them.”

The book is also a key default for firefighters who might not be parents but want to help children in these types of situations.

“They’re finding a solution to this problem through the power of a book,” Fuszard said.

The nonprofit is hosting a golf outing at Pleasant View Golf Club in Middleton. It will be taking place at 10 a.m. on September 23. Money raised at the event will go toward providing more backpacks for departments that are interested in using them.

“Our mission is to provide these backpacks to every first responder department in Wisconsin,” said Fuszard.

Anyone interested in donating can click here.

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