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DSACO finds new way to help out families they serve during pandemic

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO) had to find a new way to share their love for the families they serve.

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO) had to find a new way to share their love for the families they serve. 

They haven’t been able to spend time with them since COVID-19 hit. 

They created “Up for Fun Activity Kits” for the kids and are providing them to families free of charge.  

Credit: DSACO

Inside each bag is a week’s worth of arts and crafts, games, learning tools and activities.

“Camps are closed, pools are closed, things are not like they usually are, and our parents told us they didn’t know what to do with the kids all summer,” DSACO President and CEO Kari Jones said. “So, we thought, why don’t we give them something to do.”

Jones says this is a critical time for parents of children with Down syndrome. Due to the pandemic, these kids are missing out on physical therapy, occupational therapy and many other activities that keep them busy and keep their minds active throughout the year.

“It feels so good to give these kits out to families. We’ve been fulfilling about a hundred households per week and so it’s great to see their faces,” said Jones.

Steve and Angela Buddendeck and their son Henry are part of the DSACO family. DSACO provides valuable resources and programs to families like theirs.

“We just feel that they put a lot of work, effort and time into these kits and we are so grateful,” Angela Buddendeck said.

For their family, the activity kits have been a Godsend. 

“Henry really thrives on structure,” says Steve Buddendeck. “So, when you take him out of his environment and put him at home it’s a big change.”

The Buddendeck’s have two other children and each one gets their own kit for the week. 

Credit: Buddendeck family

Families can pick up the kits every Friday at the DSACO offices in Clintonville.

So, if you’re wondering, Where’s the Love? This week, we found it in Clintonville. If you know of a person doing something kind for someone else and spreading the love, tell us about it. We may feature them in an upcoming story.

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