Books to the Rescue! is a community program that stocks rescue vehicles and agencies that serve children with children's books, stuffed animals, and activities. The program aims to provide resources to help calm children in crisis situations. It began in Greene County, Ohio in 2015 and has expanded nationwide. The program relies on donations from local businesses, corporations, and individuals, as well as a book company's matching grant program. Evaluation surveys are completed by first responders to assess the program's effectiveness in helping soothe children's behavior during emergencies.

1. Books to the Rescue! is a first-of-its kind community engagement, outreach program
designed to stock Rescue Vehicles (and supporting agencies that serve children) with
new children’s activity, sticker and chapter books along with new stuffed animals. Our
primary mission is to equip first responders with resources to help soothe and distract a
child in crisis.
This program was started in Greene County, Ohio in October 2015 and is currently
being implemented nationwide. www.bookstotherescue.org
We rely entirely on the support of Local Businesses, Corporations, Foundations and
Private Donors along with Usborne Books and More’s 50% matching grant program and
additional monies from Seized Assets.
Sponsorship Opportunities are available for Donors. Books to the Rescue! aims to be
established in communities as a 501(c)(3).
Evaluation Surveys are included in each bag for first responders to quickly complete
following distribution. The purpose of the survey is to rate efficacy of this program,
monitor child’s behavior before and after reception, and track distribution of items for
restocking purposes.
“Having the Books to the Rescue! resources available for our officers to offer children
during their time of crisis, has been a blessing for all involved.”
-DENNIS L EVERS (pictured third from left), CHIEF OF POLICE
BEAVERCREEK, OHIO
March 21, 2016
“I have received very positive feedback from the Deputies, who are distributing these
books. I am already receiving re-order slips for some of the cruisers. Thanks for your
work on this very worthwhile project."
Books to the Rescue!
Media Event, Oct. 2015
Police Chiefs, Captains
and Sheriff from Greene
County, Ohio pose with
their new Books to the
Rescue! Bags.
Every Cruiser in Greene
County, Ohio from State
Patrol to Sheriff
received a Books to the
Rescue! Bag!

2. -MAJOR RICK BOWMAN, GREENE COUNTY, OHIO SHERIFF’S DEPT.
January 5, 2016
“I wanted to share that I really made a difference with one of the Whatif Monsters today.
Had a violent DV that a 14-year old daughter witnessed. It made her smile! She
squealed at how cute it was. Thank you, you rock!”
-DETECTIVE HOLLY CLAY, DIVERT UNIT (DOMESTIC VIOLENCE), XENIA, OHIO
(First Unit to “test” Books to the Rescue! prior to countywide implementation)
February 12, 2015
Books to the Rescue! Bag, valued at $250, offers books for up to 30 to 40 children
and 1Monster Drawstring Bag with book and matching monster plush and 1 Cuddle
Bear Drawstring Bag with matching book and bear.
Contents of bag subject to change.
While Books to the Rescue! started in Greene County, Ohio many other communities
are now fundraising to fill their Rescue Vehicles and the list keeps growing!
Tucson & Prescott Tri City Area, ARIZONA
Baltimore, MARYLAND
Salt Lake City & Utah County, UTAH
Saratoga County & Batavia, Leroy & Genesee, NEW YORK
For more information: bookstotherescue.org / www.facebook.com/BooksToTheRescue4CoastalGA
Naomi Havens, Books to the Rescue! Liaison
Naomi@BooksToTheRescue4CoastalGeorgia.com
www.BooksToTheRescue4CoastalGeorgia.com