The Needham Commission on Disabilities voted on Oct. 21 to approve a reimbursement grant request to the Congregational Church of Needham to help pay for sensory-friendly favors and non-food items for the church’s annual trunk-or-treat event.

Darlene Wong, director for children and youth at the Congregational Church of Needham, told the commission the church organizes a sensory-friendly hour at the start of its annual trunk-or-treat and that this year they expect "about 250 to 300 children." She said the church purchased fidgets, tactile toys, tattoos and stickers online through Amazon and Oriental Trading Company and asked the commission for reimbursement.

Jeanne, a church member who introduced Wong, said the event’s first hour is intended to be quieter and non-scary for families with children who have sensory sensitivities. Wong said the purchases were made and that the church would submit receipts for reimbursement if the commission approved the grant; she noted the church is a nonprofit and requested assistance covering the expense.

Commission member Lynn Rodman moved to consider approving the grant; a second was recorded. The commission then took a roll-call vote with members present voting in favor. The commission’s chair confirmed the motion passed and said the award must be placed on the Select Board consent agenda for final approval. The commission noted the award will be processed as a reimbursement.

The commission and church representatives discussed promotion: commission members offered to publicize the event via town channels, the library and community groups, and to place commission brochures at the event’s welcome table. Commissioners indicated they would help publicize the event and that the Select Board consent agenda would be used for formal authorization.

Ending

The commission approved the grant and will forward the award for placement on the Select Board’s consent agenda; the church will submit receipts for reimbursement after the event.