The St. Bernard Autism Awareness Crew presented two checks totaling $49,000 to the St. Bernard Parish School Board during the board's April 8 meeting: $40,000 for the CREW Summer Camp and $9,000 to purchase sensory backpacks for schools and first responders.

The presentation was made by Danny Dysart, identified at the meeting as the crew's board president. Dysart said April is autism awareness month and described the organization's work in the parish, including a mobile “sensory vehicle” used at public events. “We are providing a $9,000 check for those items,” Dysart said, adding that the organization will work with the school district, the sheriff's office and the fire department to distribute sensory backpacks for students and first responders.

Nut graf: The donations are intended to expand a camp the crew runs in partnership with the school district and to restock sensory supports the group provides to schools and emergency personnel. Board members praised the volunteers and noted the program's role in providing year‑round supports for students with exceptionalities.

Dysart said the CREW Summer Camp — which began about four years ago as a one‑week program with roughly 25–30 students and has since expanded to two weeks — will be held again at Miro and serve St. Bernard students who need a more supported camp setting. The $40,000 grant was presented to the Sacred Heart School System to continue and expand the camp.

Board members and school staff on the dais, including school board members who spoke during the item, thanked the crew and volunteers. One board member noted that “the little bags that you collaborate with the firemen and with the sheriff’s office and give to them in the community helps children at the time of their need.” Another board member also recognized the crew’s NFL Impact 59 grant award as additional validation of the group's work.

The crew also promoted its primary fundraiser, the Parish Derby, scheduled for Saturday, May 3, at the Seguer Center (the Civic Center), and described other services it provides, including specialized swimming lessons and the sensory vehicle used at Crawfish Fest and other community events.

Ending: Crew leaders asked anyone interested in support or volunteering to contact the organization; they said sensory packs will be rolled out for the coming school year and camp slots will be available for students identified by the school district.