The Grand Rapids Police Department announced a new program where police officers will gift young victims of child abuse and neglect handmade blankets as a source of comfort. Nicknamed "cop-cuddlers," the blankets were handmade and stitched by River House residents and delivered to the Grand Rapids Police Department on Valentine’s Day. Police say they will distribute the blankets to victims they encounter in the line of duty, as officers are typically the first responders on the scene. Cop Cuddler Blanket Coordinator Carol Vanderlaan says the blankets are about restoring faith in the police department, and identifying officers as the ‘good guys.’
“When we were kids, our parents told us that the policeman is your friend, and it sounds trite, but we believed it," Vanderlaan said. "That just doesn’t happen anymore, the policeman are viewed with anger and distrust, and we wanted to bring that old feeling back that if you have a problem, you go to a police officer and he will help you.”
According to a press release from the Grand Rapids Police Department, the blankets will be distributed to Grand Rapids youths who are “distressed, displaced, frightened or involved in legal disputes. Vanderlaan says she hopes it changes the way the child will view the police later in life.
“One of these police officers is going to rescue a child from a bad situation, and give them a blanket and give them a hug. And maybe when they grow up they will remember this, and look at police in a different eye. That’s our goal,” she said.
While the press release said that 30 blankets had been stitched, Vanderlaan said they dropped off 60 on Valentines Day, and hopes to continue to make more.
