Contact:: Angela Drent
Siouxland District Health Department
1014 Nebraska St, Sioux City, IA 51105
Phone: 712-279-6119 | Fax: 712-279-2601
For Immediate Release: 5.30.25
Press Release
East High School National Honor Society Students Provide Sensory Bags to First Responders
Sioux City, IA May 30, 2025: East High School’s National Honor Society (NHS) students from the Class of 2025 have spent the school year fundraising and completing various service projects to give back to the community. Their final and most impactful project before graduation was the creation and donation of sensory bags for local first responders.
Deliliah Thompson, representing East High’s NHS, reached out to Angela Drent, Health Promotion Specialist at the Siouxland District Health Department, for potential project ideas and current needs within the All Abilities Coalition. After reviewing several suggestions, the students chose to assemble sensory bags to support individuals with sensory and communication disorders during emergency situations.
“The sensory bags are designed to assist both children and adults with sensory processing challenges, communication difficulties, or anyone experiencing distress during emergencies,” said Drent. “They not only support individuals in crisis, but also help first responders build rapport, de-escalate situations, and enhance communication.”
The students prepared more than 40 sensory bags, each containing items such as noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, communication cards, and dry-erase boards. Thompson shared, “This project allowed us to combine compassion with action. Knowing that these bags might bring comfort in stressful moments means everything to us.”
On May 30, Thompson formally presented the sensory bags to the Sioux City Police Department, Sioux City Fire and Rescue, and Unity Point Health St. Luke’s during a city press conference and delivered bags to the emergency room at Mercy One.
Rita Donnelly, Coordinator for the Volunteers in Police Service and Project Lifesaver with the Sioux City Police Department, expressed gratitude on behalf of law enforcement. “We are extremely grateful to the EHS National Honor Society students for this meaningful donation. Our officers often respond to high-stress situations, and these bags will be a valuable resource.”
This project aligns with the mission of the All Abilities Health and Wellness Coalition, coordinated by the Siouxland District Health Department. The coalition brings together community partners across Siouxland to promote inclusive health initiatives for individuals with disabilities. Its goals include reducing barriers, increasing accessibility, and expanding opportunities for physical activity.
If you would like more information on this topic, please contact Angela Drent, Health Promotion Specialist at Siouxland District Health Department at 712-490-5940 or adrent@siouxlanddistricthealth.org.
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