Columbus Students Donate Comfort Kits to Hammocks Police Department to Support Children in Crisis

Christopher Columbus High School students partnered with the Hammocks Police Department today to deliver Comfort Kits designed to bring reassurance and support to children during emergency situations.

Representing the school were Lucas Rojas, President of LINK; Zen Borez, Summer of Service Captain; Olivia Hidalgo, founder of Bonded by Books; and Matthew Rojas, future Explorer. Together, they presented the kits as part of a collaborative initiative between LINK and the Summer of Service program, with generous support from Bonded by Books.

Created with children in mind, particularly those with special needs or experiencing anxiety during emergencies, each Comfort Kit includes sensory items such as fidget toys, stress balls, sunglasses, bubbles, and a plush friend. The kits also contain a book, stickers, a coloring book, crayons, and an emotion communication card to help children, including those who are non-speaking, express how they are feeling. The kits will be carried in Hammocks Police Department patrol vehicles and distributed whenever the need arises.

During their visit, the students toured the police station, met with the police captain, and were invited to attend an upcoming Citizens Advisory Committee meeting, where they will be recognized for their service and commitment to supporting children facing difficult circumstances.

This initiative was made possible through the generosity of LINK and Summer of Service families, whose donations helped assemble the kits. Columbus also extends its gratitude to Bonded by Books for providing a book for every Comfort Kit, offering children the comfort and familiarity of a story during stressful moments.

A special thank you goes to Officer Gina Lopez for coordinating the visit, welcoming our students, and helping ensure these kits reach children who need them most. Her partnership and enthusiasm made the experience especially meaningful.

Christopher Columbus High School is proud to partner with the Hammocks Police Department in demonstrating that even during moments of crisis, compassion, service, and community can provide comfort and hope.