Thank You from Hillsboro Police Department and Hillsboro School District
June 4, 2025
Original coverage on Facebook from the Hillsboro Police Department and the Hillsboro School District.
On behalf of the Hillsboro Police Department and the Hillsboro School District, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Birth to Five Illinois: Region 3 and Circle of Care for the training and the generous donation of Comfort Bags to our departments.
Birth to Five Illinois: Region 3 plays a vital role in building strong foundations for children across our state. By focusing on early childhood development, equity, and family engagement, the organization ensures that children from birth to age five receive the support they need to thrive, especially those in under-resourced communities. Their collaboration with local partners helps create more responsive and effective services for our youngest residents.
Circle of Care is a statewide initiative committed to supporting children, youth, and families grieving the loss of a loved one due to substance use or coping with related disorders. Through resources like Comfort Bags, grief support, and training for first responders, Circle of Care increases protective factors for impacted youth and helps reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder. Their Handle with Care initiative ensures that when law enforcement encounters a child during a traumatic event, school personnel are discreetly notified, enabling them to provide timely emotional and academic support.
These Comfort Bags are more than just items in a tote—they are a message of hope and healing. With journals, sensory toys, snacks, hygiene items, and letters of encouragement, they offer children and teens a moment of comfort and connection in times of stress or crisis.
We are grateful for the partnership and commitment of both organizations. Their work strengthens not just individual children and families, but entire communities. Because of them—and the dedicated efforts of our school counselors—we are better equipped to respond with empathy and to walk beside our youth as they navigate challenging times.
With appreciation,
Randy Leetham
Chief of Police
Hillsboro Police Department
Frank Kenny
School Resource Officer