Gates Chili Central School District

More than 500 bottles of toiletries were donated to GCCSD, which are being combined into care bags by Walt Disney students.

The small bottles of shampoo, conditioner and lotion were all donated by family members of special education teacher Amy General.

She often uses the TEACCH methodology with her students, which is an evidence-based academic program focused on teaching students with autism as visual learners. Teachers adapt their teaching style and intervention strategies to meet their learning needs. With that in mind, her class used the toiletries to create pre-vocational activities. They had help from fifth-grade students in Yolanda Conger’s class.

Once a week, the classes come together to do an activity. General explained it helps her students practice interactive play skills with their peers, which she notes is an area of growth for all of them. This week they took the opportunity to use the donated materials to make a difference. The class put together more than 100 care bags, which will be given out to those in need throughout the Rochester area.

Marion Bulger, a student behavioral assistant who works with one of the students, volunteers for a nonprofit organization in Rochester called Hope Dealers BTC: Be The Change. It is an outreach for people who are struggling with addiction. She plans on bringing the toiletry bags with her as the group provides outreach throughout the city.