Children Disaster Services (CDS) started in 1980, helping families after disaster strikes. Since then, the American Red Cross has been working with the organization to help families at some shelters after a catastrophic event. 

“We go into shelters to set up a safe play area,” said Frieda Driver, a team lead for CDS. “We want to engage in creative play for the kids to actively use their imaginations as opposed to playing video games, playing with dolls, or whatever else they could be doing.” 

CDS volunteers are trained to assist children who are overwhelmed or have difficulty processing their unique experiences by bringing positivity and normalcy into their lives. 

“Usually what happens is, the parents bring their kids in when they need a break. We try to let the kids play like normal kids and not have to be distracted with all the worries their parents have. The parents can go make phone calls, take naps, shower, or do whatever they need to do,” Frieda said. “We get down on the floors, we play with them and keep them engaged in activities. We let them create what they want. We don’t make suggestions. They are the leaders and do what they want, if it is safe.” 

Frieda said the group of volunteers are not counselors and they don’t try to have the children talk about what happened to their home or families—but they will also not stop any child from talking about it.

“If they say something like ‘I was really scared and the water got really high,’ we may say ‘you were really afraid. Do you want to talk more about that?’ but we don’t ask leading questions about what went on,” Frieda explained.

Disasters can impact children in many ways and the Red Cross is grateful for partners like CDS who are helping them emotionally recover through art, play and focused attention.