Each week, Meredith Moss writes about the non-profit organizations in our community and their specific needs. If you have a wish list you would like to share with our readers, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com
Please include a daytime phone number. Meredith and this column have been honored with the first “Friend of Philanthropy Award” from the Association of Fund-raising Professionals.
The Dayton Autism Society, a nonprofit organization entirely run by volunteers, serves families in Montgomery, Preble, Darke, Miami, Clark, Greene and Warren Counties.
“We provide financial assistance to individuals — both children and adults — with Autism Spectrum Disorder who need help paying for therapy, adaptive equipment or services related to their diagnosis,” explains the group’s Schelly Walls. “We also provide free monthly outings and activities and support groups for the individual and their families in a sensory- friendly environment. “
Every year the Society also host several large events including a special-needs flag football game and family picnic, a 5K Walk/Run/Resource fair in April, and a Holiday Party.
Walls says the Autism Society also offers resources to the community and provides education through attendance at resource fairs and community events. “We have provided direct education to local churches and elementary school classrooms on how to be welcoming and how to be a friend to someone with autism,” she says. “We recently distributed ‘Sesame Street’ books introducing a new character with autism to families and schools to help educate kids on autism and acceptance.”
The organization can use donations from our readers that can be used at various events, gifts for holiday parties and more.
Here’s what they need:
- Small board games, including gently used
- Puzzles, including gently used
- Calming fidget toys
- Sensory chew items
- Water beads
- Kinetic sand
- Pin art toys
- Play dough
- Building blocks/stackable toys/Lego's
- Sensory/knobby balls
- Holiday-themed craft kits (to use at events)
- Gift cards that can given out to families at the holiday party
- Children's books, including gently used
Donations can be dropped off at the Regional Education Center, 4801 Springfield St., Dayton between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
OTHER WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
The Autism Society is hosting its second annual Trunk or Treat event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Miami Valley Regional Center, 4801 Springfield St., Dayton. The event is open both to families affected by autism and other interested families as well. You can register for the free event at asadayton@gmail.com, or send a message on Facebook.
“We are always looking for volunteers to help us with all aspects of running the organization as well as helping us at events,” says Walls. ” Our monthly board meetings are open to the public and held the second Tuesday of every month from 6-8 pm in Room 2-210 at the Miami Valley Regional Center, 4801 Springfield St. Dayton, OH. This is also our mailing address.”
Information: (937) 815-4986 or www.autismsocietyofdayton.org.
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