"My Choice" Class at Wausau School District Purchases Items for Wausau Police Department's "Comfort Room"

Friday, May 24th, 2024 -- 8:00 AM

The "My Choice" class at Wausau School District's John Muir Middle School wanted to help out kids their age who might be displaced from their home. 

"My Choice" students toured the Wausau Police Department a couple of months ago and recognized a need. The "Comfort Room" is outfitted for younger children with diapers, clothes, kid puzzles etc.

There really aren't any items for middle school aged children or older. The "My Choice" students wanted to change this, so they began to make a list of items they would want to provide comfort during a traumatic event.

Their teacher, Mrs. Zemke, applied for the "Reach for the Stars" grant given by the Wausau School District.  The "My Choice" students were granted $600 to purchase their items. Rather than shop from Amazon, they contacted Janke Book Store to see if they would be willing to help.

Students spent an hour shopping at Janke Bookstore, who gave them a discount, and came to the Wausau Police Department Wednesday May 15th to create a "comfort pantry" for kids their age. The idea for a "pantry"  rather than a put-together kit came from Officer Sarah Bedish, who works in the department's Victim Resource Unit.

Allowing the person in trauma an opportunity to pick their comfort items gives them a sense of control in an uncontrolled situation.  The "My Choice" students hope that kids will find comfort in the items they chose.

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