When sisters Paisley and Payton Gross set out to support the autism center that helps their younger brother, they never imagined how quickly their idea would grow into a school-wide movement of empathy, action, and community spirit.
Paisley, a fourth grader, and Payton, a second grader, were inspired by their 5-year-old brother Parker, a kindergartener at Cartmell Elementary who is non-verbal and has autism. Parker attends Cartmell half the day and goes to the Commonwealth ABA Autism Center for half a day for therapy—and his sisters wanted to give back.
“The project was based on Parker,” said Paisley. “We wanted to start the project to get donations for his clinic. We collected toys, fidgets, summer balls, snacks, and sensory chewies for the other kids who go there.”
With help from their mom, the girls created an Amazon wishlist and shared it with the community. Donations began arriving from friends, classmates, and even strangers. They collected more than 800 items.
“I liked seeing everybody in blue and all the stuff people brought,” Payton said, her face lighting up.
“I was surprised that so many people brought things in,” added Paisley. “It made me happy because it showed how much people support our brother and wanted to know his story.”
Their teacher and sponsor, Jill Hamilton, was impressed by the outpouring of support.
“I kept seeing Facebook posts of people shipping items directly to the family,” Hamilton said. “It was people who love their family, love Parker, and just wanted to help. Kids at school brought items too—it became something really special.”
The project not only stocked the shelves at Commonwealth ABA, it also helped open conversations about autism throughout Cartmell.
“When we delivered the donations, the coordinator, Stevie Mefford, said they were just about to place an order for fidgets and supplies. It was perfect timing,” Hamilton said. “And back at school, kids started sharing their own connections to autism—brothers, sisters, cousins. These were conversations we don’t usually have.”
Hamilton showed the girls a short story video titled My Brother Charlie, written from the perspective of a sibling of an autistic child to help them decide if they wanted to share something so personal with their peers.They ended up sharing it with classrooms all over the school and every class that watched the video received a certificate.
The sisters also created videos to help their classmates better understand life with Parker.
“Parker doesn’t speak, but he uses sign language and does a lot of pointing,” said Payton. “When he wants to show me he loves me, he gives me a lot of hugs and kisses.”
“He chews on things like his shirt when he’s upset,” said Paisley. “We got him a chewy toy and that helped a lot. Sometimes he wears a wristband that connects to Mom when we’re walking so he stays safe.”
Their thoughtful campaign culminated in a “Wear Blue for Autism” day, where students wore blue to raise awareness. Classrooms competed in spirit events and collected items for the cause. The Red House brought in the most donations and earned a popsicle party.
“It was kind of surprising how much blue we had that day,” Hamilton said. “The kids knew why they were wearing it. They were proud.”
Though the event was pulled together quickly, it left a big impact.
“Paisley and Payton have really inspired their peers,” she said. “I’ve had other students come to me asking how they can start their own service projects. These girls found their voice—and helped others find theirs.”
Next year, Payton and Parker will still be at Cartmell, and Paisley hopes to support them from middle school.
“He’s not like other kids,” said Paisley. “But I’m thankful for him.”