CULLMAN, Ala. – A group of local residents, through a charitable drive born out of Leadership Cullman County – Jordan’s Junk Drawer – recently assembled and distributed 50 sensory kits to schools, hospitals, libraries and other spaces. The drive raised $2,630 and collected 343 sensory items.
Organizers had planned to create only 35 kits, but the group ended up making more, thanks to overwhelming financial and material support from individuals and local businesses.
“We were able to exceed everyone’s request,” said organizer Rebekah Lloyd, part of the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce Adult Leadership class. “It was a good challenge to have — figuring out how to spend the extra money and how to fit everything in our cars.”
There were many stand-out donors during the drive, including the Cullman Electric Cooperative, which provided fully assembled sensory kits that required only minor adjustments, and TriGreen Equipment, which custom-made 35 tractor-shaped poppets that became a favorite among the kits.
“We told businesses they could contribute sensory-related marketing items, and TriGreen answered the call perfectly. The tractor poppets were absolutely adorable,” said Lloyd.
The kits were assembled at the Cullman Area Technology Academy (CATA), where students assisted. Their instructor, Sara Kirkpatrick, plans to use the leftover sensory materials to help students prepare for their future classrooms. More than a dozen individual donors supported the cause, including many parents of children with sensory needs.
Thirty kits were sent to the central office of Cullman County Schools to be distributed at each campus across elementary, middle and high schools. Fourteen kits were delivered to the Cullman County Child Development Center. Additional kits were donated to the Cullman County Public Library System, The Sanctuary at the Woodlands and Cullman Regional. Two kits’ worth of items were donated to the Future Educators program at CATA.
Even though the drive has ended, organizers hope the community will continue to support them and that their work positively impacts individuals with sensory needs in a meaningful and encouraging manner.
“Let’s not let it stop here,” Lloyd urged. “We want this passion and vision to continue after our group graduates. We hope that the recipients feel seen, heard and valued. Everyone has different needs, and these kits are a small way of acknowledging that and providing support.”
If you or someone you know still wishes to donate, Lloyd recommended contacting local schools, starting with guidance counselors or principals, to find out what sensory items might be needed. Facilities such as The Sanctuary at the Woodlands and Cullman County Public Library System branches also need supplies.
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