Service is embedded in the culture of the National FFA Organization, and the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo is no exception. From beautifying local landscapes to cleaning the Indianapolis community, FFA members engaged in the National Convention Days of Service.
Throughout this week, FFA members flooded to the FFA Experience Booth in the Expo Hall to make sensory bottles for the Damar Foundation, a local nonprofit that serves children and adults with intellectual disabilities, behavioral challenges and autism.
“They will provide an opportunity for [the kids and adults] to self-regulate, find a little bit of comfort and joy through play and they’re able to take them with them,” says Katie Miller, director of development for the Damar Foundation. “It can really help them with some of their coping skills and play.”
FFA members are expected to build up to 6,000 sensory bottles during national convention, which will reach the 1,500 people who benefit from the Damar Foundation’s services each day.
“Not everyone is going to win first prize in a contest, but everyone can serve and everyone can make an impact in their community, and it teaches us skills we’ll need later in life,” says Jennfer Williams, local engagement specialist with FFA.
Article edited by newsroom reporter Adrian Schunk.
