Lamar County Adopt-A-Cop, the City of Paris EMS Peer Support Team, and the Lamar County Peer Support Team are partnering to launch a Sensory Bag Drive for first responders throughout Lamar County.
The bags are designed to help first responders better assist children and adults with autism, sensory processing challenges, or other sensory needs during emergency situations.
Emergency scenes can be overwhelming, particularly when they involve flashing lights, sirens, unfamiliar people, crowds, and heightened emotions. The sensory bags will provide first responders with tools that may help reduce sensory overload, improve communication, and create a calmer interaction.
Each bag will include a variety of sensory and calming items, such as fidget items, noise-reducing headphones, communication resources, and other tools that can be used during emergency encounters.
The goal is to provide bags for law enforcement, EMS, fire departments, constables, emergency management personnel, Texas DPS, Texas Game Wardens, school police, and other first responder agencies serving Lamar County.
“This is about giving first responders another tool to help them better serve members of our community,” said Amanda Willows, President of Lamar County Adopt-A-Cop. “A sensory bag may seem simple, but in the right situation it could make a significant difference for both the individual and the responder.”
Sensory bags can be sponsored for $35 each. Our goal is 122 bags. Sponsorships will officially open Friday, September 4 at noon on the Lamar County Adopt-A-Cop Facebook page.
For sponsorship information, please call or text (903) 905-1229.
