SIOUX CITY -- East High School's National Honor Society has donated more than 40 "sensory bags" to Sioux City first responders.
The bags were given to Sioux City Police Department, Sioux City Fire and Rescue, Unity Point Health St. Luke's and the MercyOne emergency room.
All year, the NHS students have been fundraising and completing various service projects to give back to the community, according to a Siouxland District Health news release.
Deliliah Thompson, representing East High's NHS, reached out to Angela Drent, Health Promotion Specialist at the Siouxland District Health Department, for potential project ideas and current needs within the All Abilities Coalition.
All Abilities Health and Wellness Coalition, coordinated by the Siouxland District Health Department, brings together community partners across Siouxland to promote inclusive health initiatives for individuals with disabilities.
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After reviewing several suggestions, the students chose to assemble sensory bags to support individuals with sensory and communication disorders during emergency situations.
"The sensory bags are designed to assist both children and adults with sensory processing challenges, communication difficulties, or anyone experiencing distress during emergencies," Drent said. "They not only support individuals in crisis, but also help first responders build rapport, de-escalate situations, and enhance communication."
The students prepared more than 40 sensory bags, each containing items such as noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, communication cards, and dry-erase boards.
"This project allowed us to combine compassion with action," Thompson said. "Knowing that these bags might bring comfort in stressful moments means everything to us."
Rita Donnelly, Coordinator for the Volunteers in Police Service and Project Lifesaver with the Sioux City Police Department, expressed gratitude on behalf of law enforcement.
"We are extremely grateful to the EHS National Honor Society students for this meaningful donation," Donnelly said. "Our officers often respond to high-stress situations, and these bags will be a valuable resource."
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