Open Table Partners with Local Police to Develop Sensory Kits

Members of Open Table delivering sensory kits to the Mansfield Police Department

Inspired by a story about a father and son in Virginia who created sensory backpack kits for first responders, Open Table UMC in Mansfield launched a similar effort to support local law enforcement officers and the neurodiverse community they serve.

Throughout July, members of the congregation collected supplies for the kits. During Open Table's Back-to-School Blessing service, volunteers packed the items into clear backpacks and blessed them alongside the backpacks of students and teachers preparing for the new school year.

Each sensory kit includes a weighted blanket, noise-canceling headphones, nonverbal communication cards and a variety of fidget tools designed to help individuals experiencing sensory overload or communication challenges.

Open Table partnered with the Mansfield Police Department to develop the project. The department's Special Services Coordinator helped organize training and instructions for officers on how to use the kits effectively and joined the congregation for worship to express gratitude for the partnership.

The impact was immediate. Shortly after the kits were distributed, Open Table learned that Mansfield police officers used one of the backpacks to comfort and communicate with a lost nonverbal child while reconnecting the child with their parents.

The project's influence has also extended beyond the original effort. Remaining supplies were donated to a parent interested in creating sensory kits for a local high school, and additional clear backpacks were given to a Scout troop planning a similar community service project.

Leaders at Open Table say the congregation's neurodiverse adults, teens and children helped guide the selection of items included in the kits. Occupational and physical therapists also provided input, ensuring the backpacks would meet a variety of sensory and communication needs.

Open Table describes itself as a congregation enriched by the gifts and experiences of neurodiverse individuals and remains committed to fostering accessibility and inclusion both within the church and throughout the community.

Individuals or organizations interested in creating sensory kits for first responders can contact Open Table for supply lists and packing recommendations.

Erin Barnes contributed to this story.