Lynn Chen organized a community supply drive to collect materials for her students in the Autism Spectrum Disorder program at Sanford Middle School. The drive provided much needed resources for hands-on learning activities. Chen distributed collection bags to neighbors and collected donations of toys, games, and other supplies. The donations filled a supply closet and will benefit Chen's students and future students with ASD. The drive allowed Chen to engage with her community and find new ways to support the special needs students she works with.

1. Classroom Supply Drive
Lynn Chen
EEX 3241
Fall 2012

2. Sanford Middle School ASD
Program
I began working at Sanford Middle School in their
ASD unit in the fall of 2010. The program was
opened with one class that year. In 2011, we
added a second class. The classes are now
divided by student abilities. We serve a total of 13
students, three of whom are mainstreamed full
time. Student abilities range from that of a typical
14 year old to that of a toddler.
The first unit was stocked with materials through
donations and purchases by the teacher.
When the second unit opened, we had very few
materials with which to engage our “younger”
students.

3. Engagement Activities
Because our students need many hands on
activities, I decided to create a community drive for
materials.
On Saturday, November 17th, my family and I
distributed bags with a request for donations to
each house in my neighborhood.
We let the neighbors know that we would pick up
the donated supplies on Saturday, November 24th,
or they could feel free to bring them to my house
at their convenience.
We picked up the undelivered bags on Saturday,
November 24th, and we are still in the process of
organizing the items which were donated.

4. Service Hours
Thursday, November 15th: 5:00-8:00p.m.
Bag and notice preparation
Saturday, November 17th: 9:00 – 12:00a.m. Bag
distribution
Saturday, November 24th: 9:00 – 12:00a.m. Bag
pickup
Saturday, November 24th: 1:00 – 4:00p.m. Sort
supplies
Monday, November 26th: 7:30 – 10:00a.m.
First delivery of supplies, organize supply closet
Tuesday, November 27th: 7:30 – 9:00a.m.
Second delivery and organization of supplies

5. Participant Demographics
The students we currently serve range in age from
11 to 15 years of age. They come from many
different cultures. We have students who come
from families which are Hispanic, African
American, Jewish, and European heritage.
Currently we have no students who are served in
the ESOL program, but we have had these
students in past years, and will most likely have
them in the future. All of our students have been
diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, but
many face other challenges as well.
This project was designed to serve the ten
students in our self contained ASD classroom. It
will also serve future students with ASD.

6. Pictures
Sanford Middle
School
We are lucky to have
a kitchen!

7. Donation Request
Request forms were
attached to each bag.

8. These are just a
few of the many
items which were
donated.

9. Perceptions of Differences
When I took my job working with students with
special needs, I did it because the hours were
great for a busy mom. I did not know how I would
feel about the students. I had never been the
most patient person when teaching an individual
who has a difficult time grasping new concepts.
After the first day, I was in it for the long haul. I
love it so much, I would continue my position as a
paraprofessional if the pay was enough to support
my family. The challenge of finding new and
creative ways to teach my students is one I
embrace daily.

10. Connections to Course
Because I understand that students learn best
when presented with material in multiple
formats, the ability to utilize toys and games in
our lessons will provide them with hands on
learning.
It was important to find the right placement of
the newly acquired materials within the
classroom so as to provide easy access and
student safety.
Students with cognitive disabilities need many
opportunities to practice new skills. These
materials will allow for additional practice

11. Civic Engagement
I have always looked for additional
ways to serve the population of
students with whom I work. This
project gave me the motivational
push to volunteer at a time when I felt
that my plate was pretty full. It turns
out there is always enough time to
help others.

12. Final Thoughts and
Reflections