Windham, N.H. — Oct. 30 — Windham Fire Department and Emergency Management thanked Mayra Gillis and her mother, Jessica, for donating several sensory kits. Mayra, a 16-year-old Pelham resident and volunteer with New England Disabled Sports at Loon Mountain, has been designing and donating sensory kits to first responders across the state to help them interact with children and adults who may struggle to communicate. Her initiative began after a plush animal helped her relax after an emergency situation earlier in life. Mayra was recently highlighted on WMUR for her efforts.

The packages contain noise-cancelling earmuffs, communication cards, whiteboards and markers, cuddly toys, fidgets, stress balls, sunglasses, and fleece blankets. Each Windham ambulance will now carry these tools to help responders de-escalate stressful situations and improve communication with people who require more assistance. Those interested in receiving a kit or making a cash contribution should contact Mayra at charitablesweetheart@gmail.com.