A group of individuals in Kansas City, including former residents of the Virgin Islands, has partnered with the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum and local therapists to create and distribute hurricane trauma-relief bags to children on St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Children Museum announced Tuesday.
Trauma from hurricanes can cause a variety of emotional reactions in children. Play can help children process trauma, aid in resolving symptoms, build resiliency, and resume the process of normal development, the Museum said. As the territory recover from the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the importance of play for children cannot be overstated, the Museum added.
The trauma-relief bags include bubbles, playdough, crayons, a pen, journal, flashlight, fidget spinner, snack bar, small stuffed animal, activity book titled “Too Much Weather”, and a packet for parents with tips and suggestions.
Major contributors to this initiative include Trans Expedite, Association for Play Therapy, and Shenandoah Valley Project Impact. The Museum also thanked the Houseworth Family, the Niermeier Family, Thomas Villa of the Fruth Group, Biddle and Bop, and all who contributed to this effort.
The hurricane trauma-relief bags will be distributed on St. Thomas by Dr. Nicolette Howells, Dr. Cutright and Angel Dubovoy, MS at Insight Psychological Services, Foothills Building Suite 204. They will be distributed on St. Croix by Dr. Lindsy Yarger-Wagner at Island Therapy Solutions, 5030 Anchor Way, Suite 7, Christiansted. They will be available for distribution by November 1.
Tags: hurricanes irma and maria, trauma relief bags for children
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