Hearts and Heroes Collection Drive

Join us in helping first responders provide compassionate support to individuals with autism in emergency situations. We’re gathering sensory, comfort, and calming items to donate to our local first responders.

Why Your Support Matters:

Our local first responders are often the first to meet individuals with autism during emergencies, moments that can be overwhelming and stressful. By supporting this collection, you’re helping equip them with sensory, comfort, and calming items that make those interactions safer, gentler, and more reassuring. Your donation provides not just tools, but comfort, understanding, and a greater sense of security for individuals with autism when it matters most
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Get Involved Today! Donating is easy – drop off your items at any United Financial location or make a monetary donation. Together, we can make a positive impact and show our community the power of compassion.

Sensory / Comfort Items

    • Fidget toys (spinners, cubes, controllers, squishy toys)
    • Stress balls
    • Nee dohs
    • Infinity cubes
    • Chewelry (silicone chew necklaces)
    • Pop‑it toys
    • Sunglasses
    • Small weighted lap pads
    • Small fuzzy blankets, hand sized or slightly bigger
    • Soft blankets
    • Noise-canceling earmuffs
    • Simple stuffed animals (no glitter, harsh textures)
    • Small squishes (fun shapes like the ones that have xbox controllers, animals, etc
    • Soothing scents like lavender, vanilla, peppermint (weighted stuffies that have scents, some can be warmed up)
    • Snacks/juice boxes/small water bottles

Calming/Regulation Items

  • Calm-down coloring books
  • Small activity books
  • Triangle crayons or gel crayons
  • Visual “first–then” cards
  • Small LED touch lights (no flashing lights)
  • Low-light mini flashlight (no strobe option)
  • Cool gel strips (forehead)
  • Soft disposable wipes (unscented)
  • Lip balm (unscented)

For adults with PTSD or sensory needs

  • Journals
  • Anxiety stones- smooth and textured
  • Grounding tools (fabric swatches, textured cards)
  • Mini adult coloring books
  • Simple scents (lavender sachets—optional since some are sensory-sensitive)

Monetary / Gift Cards

  • Monetary donations
  • Gift cards – Walmart, Meijer, Amazon

First Aid Items

⭐ Essentials

  • Adhesive bandages (multiple sizes, latex‑free)
  • Sterile gauze pads (4×4 and 2×2)
  • Rolled gauze
  • Medical tape (hypoallergenic)
  • Antiseptic wipes (alcohol‑free preferred for sensory-sensitive individuals)
  • Antibiotic ointment packets
  • Instant cold packs
  • Elastic bandage wrap (ACE-style)
  • Tweezers
  • Small scissors (blunt-tip)
  • Cotton balls or cotton pads

⭐ Sensory-Friendly / Low-Irritation Choices

  • Non-scented wound wash / saline
  • Paper tape instead of plastic tape (less pulling on skin)
  • Soft, flexible bandages (no bright characters or rough textures)
  • Hypoallergenic gloves (nitrile)

⭐ For Trauma-Informed Response

    • Disposable emergency blankets (crinkle‑reduced style if possible)
    • Small notebook & pen (for nonverbal communication)
    • Cards with simple picture icons (pain scale, “I need a break,” “I feel scared,” etc.)
    • Gentle grip ice packs (fabric-covered)