Greendale woman creates 'Brave Buddy Bags' program with police department

(GREENDALE, Ind.) – A Greendale woman has launched a unique initiative to help local children during or following a crisis. 

Nicole McLane created ‘Brave Buddy Bags’ which provides comfort items to kids who are involved in or witness a stressful event. 

Each bag includes a stress ball, blanket, sensory items, encouragement card, fidget spinner and other comfort items. 

McLane has partnered with the Greendale Police Department and Greendale EMS to equip first responders with the ‘Brave Buddy Bags.'

Greendale Police Chief Shane Slack said the Brave Buddy Bags will be an important tool for his department. 

“They will be a fantastic addition for our officers and EMS personnel to have available to provide comfort during traumatic and difficult times. I commend Nicole for her dedication and compassion for those impacted by high anxiety and stress during extraordinary circumstances,” Slack said. 

McLane said she was inspired to create this initiative after being a foster parent and also a mom of a child with medical disabilities. 

“I have seen kids in all levels of stressful circumstances. Our first foster son came to our home with a grocery bag of items. He had nothing to call his own. Unfortunately this happens more than what most people realize,” she explained. 

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Her son has a disorder called Dravet Syndrome and it causes him became fixated on things and leave places unexpectedly.

“He has even been brought home by a Greendale Police Officer. How great would’ve been to give Donovan a Brave Buddy Bag in that nerve racking situation,” she added. 

The program is made possible by donations from the community and local businesses.

Organizations or individuals can sponsor a bag for $30 and you can also make donations to the initiative. 

You can contact her by email at thebravebuddybags@gmail.com to donate or learn more about the program.

McLane hopes to bring this initiative to other police departments in the region.