May 13, 2016 2 min read

Children will get safety swag and the opportunity to interact with first responders, emergency workers and postal employees Sunday as part of the first-ever Kids’ Safety Day hosted by Washington Elks Lodge 776.

Elks officer Michelle Larson said, like Fred Rogers’ advice to kids to seek out the helpers in emergencies, the event being held at 138 E. Maiden St. from 9 a.m. to noon will help children learn to look for adult leaders when they feel threatened.

“If you see a postman, if you see an ambulance driver – go to these people. They’ll know what’s going on and how to help you if you’re alone, scared or hurt,” Larson said.

Christian Outreach will help distribute donations of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide monitors to families who need them. In addition to Washington police and fire departments, drug awareness advocates and “Elroy the Elk” will be on hand. There will be safety literature, coloring books, activities and treats and balloons provided by Sarris Candies and Shop ‘n Save.

“The community truly came together to make this happen. And we’re hoping to make this an annual event with the help of the Beacon grant ($2,000) that we received to start a yearly community program. We get a large crowd for our buffet breakfast every third Sunday, so we wanted to start this program in conjunction with that since it gets a big showing of at least 100 people,” Larson said.

Breakfast is $6, admission is free, and kids younger than 12 eat free.