First responders are the backbone of emergency response in our communities, providing critical support in situations when every second counts. Whether rushing into burning buildings, stabilizing accident victims, or calmly answering a frantic 9-1-1 call, their work saves countless lives each year.

Supporting them is vital because their work is so essential to our community safety – and it often comes at a high personal cost to them and their families. By showing our gratitude – even with something as small, yet impactful, as a “Gratitude Jar” – we can let these professionals know we care, and help them stay healthy, effective, and prepared to respond to a wide range of emergencies that may one day include our own.

This is the perfect project to enlist the aid of kids. You can start by choosing a local group of first responders such as the police, and expanding your effort from there.

To make a gratitude jar for police officers:

• The jar. Start by decorating a jar with a pen, paint, and/or stickers. Paint it, cover it with fabric, add stickers, or tie a ribbon around the top, and be sure to include the words “Gratitude Jar.” Let your helpers get creative and decorate the jar to make it their own.
• The notes. Next, write specific reasons for your gratitude on small slips of paper, such as “Thank you for keeping our streets safe” or “Thank you for the quick response to the emergencies in our neighborhood.” Be specific, instead of just leaving it at “Thank you, police.” Try something like “Thank you for being on patrol late at night, keeping me safe while I asleep.”
• Assembly. Fold the notes and place them in the jar to create a hand crafted collection of appreciation.
• Delivery. Finally, visit your local police station to deliver the gift, and make sure to bring all your little helpers with you.
• Bonus. Take a group shot of your crew with some police officers on duty and share it with the rest of CORAC.