Crystal Lake police to use books for kids in crisis

Books will be the new tool Crystal Lake Police Department will use to communicate with children in crisis situations.

The department has chosen to participate in the "With Wings and a Halo" organization's mission "to put a smile on the face of a child in the time of need."

The organization aims to help children deal with traumatic situations, such as accidents or a domestic crisis through the gift of reading.

By reading, a child can be transported to a happier, safer place than they may otherwise be.

Crystal Lake Police Department squad cars will be equipped with B.A.C.K. (Be A Cheerful Kid) packets filled with 10 to 12 children's books.

There is no cost to the city.

The program started with the help of the Dane County, Wis., Chiefs of Police Association, who endorsed the project in November and launched it in December.

The organization has distributed more than 60,000 books through its R.E.A.C.H. (Reading Enjoyment Affects Childhood Happiness.

The Crystal Lake Police Department is the second in Illinois to participate in the program.

For details, visit www.withwingsandahalo. org.