Making Weighted Stuffed Animals for Friends at the SE WI Autism Society
Overview:
Join the fun and help transform new or very gently used stuffed animals into weighted stuffed animals for kids and teens with sensory needs! Autism United of Wisconsin (formerly Southeast Wisconsin Autism Society) will use the weighted stuffed animals as raffle prizes, gifts, and prizes for individuals with Autism. We will be getting together Saturday, April 26th from 10:00 am - 11:30 am at the Wauwatosa Public Library Firefly Room to make these weighted stuffed animals.
Autism United of WI has been serving our communities for almost 50 years. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for each child, teen and adult on the Autism Spectrum as well as their families. Weighted stuffed animals, weighing between 1 to 5 lbs, offer multiple benefits, including stress reduction, improved sleep, muscle pain relief, assistance with sensory processing disorders, and positive effects on ADHD and Autism.
What to expect:
Volunteers will be turning regular stuffed animals into weighted stuffed animals by carefully opening a seam, filling the stuffed animal with weighted material, and resewing. No experience needed- we're happy to instruct everyone as we go!
Capacity & Age Recommendations:
This project is appropriate for all ages. Registration will first be open to member families* and then we will open it up to guests if space allows. We expect to have room for approximately 5 families.
What to bring:
If you have a new or very gently used stuffed animal(s) you can donate, please bring one along (we will have a few extras to share if needed). We do ask that all stuffed animals are of average size. The stuffed animal would need to be able to sit in the lap of a child while they are at their school desk. We will have some stuffed animals available but encourage everyone to pick an animal their kid would love to receive in a hope to provide a variety of options so the students can hopefully find one they can connect with. SBK will provide all other materials needed.
What to wear:
Kids can wear their SBK shirts/lanyards if they are willing.
Additional information:
This project will be held in the Firefly Room which is located on the first floor of the Wauwatosa Public Library.
Project leader: Kristen Donlevy
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Please only sign up if you know you can attend. We understand illness and emergencies do come up so if you register and can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP so we can fill your spot.
A big thanks to our Board Member Kristen for leading this project, and thank you for lending a little hand!
Amanda Barnhart
Board President
*While we rely on member donations to keep the good work going, we never want the $40/family/year to be a hurdle to volunteering with us. If you are in need of assistance, we do have a limited number of scholarships available that are 100% confidential, just email and ask!
