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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. McAlister from Starr, SC is requesting educational kits & games through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. McAlister is requesting

Sensory Room

Help me give my students a sensory room, filled with fidget toys, weighted blankets, and noise-canceling headphones, that will provide students with anxiety and autism the opportunity to self-regulate and decompress in a controlled, supportive environment.

  • $1,237 goal

This project expired on September 4, 2025.

This project expired on September 4, 2025.

My Project

As an educator, I am committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where all my students can thrive. Some of my students live with anxiety and autism, and for them, the classroom can sometimes feel overwhelming. The constant stimulation of sounds, bright lights, and social demands can cause heightened stress and anxiety, making it difficult for them to focus, engage, and feel comfortable.

To support these students, I am requesting funding to create a sensory room designed specifically to meet their unique needs.

A sensory room is a calming space that provides students with a variety of tools and resources to help them self-regulate, decompress, and better manage overwhelming emotions. With the right materials, such as soft lighting, fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, and calming visual displays, students can learn to control their anxiety and return to class feeling refreshed and ready to learn.

The sensory room will provide a quiet, controlled space where students can take short breaks when needed, allowing them to recharge and re-engage in their learning. It will be a space of comfort, understanding, and emotional well-being—one where students are empowered to take control of their mental health.

By supporting this project, you are not just contributing to a classroom; you are making a direct investment in the well-being of students with special needs. Your generosity will ensure they have the tools and space they need to succeed, both in and out of the classroom.

Thank you for helping me create a space where every student can feel safe, valued, and ready to grow

Mrs. McAlister Starr Elementary School Grades 3-5

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Starr, SC View local requests

Nearly all students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

28 students impacted

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Mrs. McAlister is requesting.

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TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
4 Hugimals: Calming Hugs - Sloth & Koala 4.5 lbs Weighted Stuffed Animals (calm corner, social emotional learning, fidget toys lap, mental health) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $240.00 1 $240.00
Big Joe Milano, Medium, Gray Plush • Amazon Business $59.99 2 $119.98
Bouncy Bands Portable 5lb Weighted Lap Pad: Calming Sensory Tool for Focus and Relaxation - Dual Textured Cover, Ideal for Stress Relief • Kaplan Early Learning Company $44.96 2 $89.92
Retisee 16 Pcs Fluorescent Light Covers Led Drop Ceiling Light Decoration for Classroom Office Eliminate Harsh Glare Causing Eyestrain and Headaches (Starry Sky Style) • Amazon Business $74.99 1 $74.99
Ultrapopp Pop up Sensory Tent for Kids, Extra Big 47x47in Black Out Calming Hideout Den, Calm Down Black Tent for Autism Kids ADHD SPD, Autistic Sensory Room Play Tents with Door & Window • Amazon Business $69.99 1 $69.99
LuMAGIC 7-pk Tap Tap Sensory Lights - Touch & Remote Controlled Multicolored Magnetic Hexagon Lights, Interactive & Calming for Sensory Rooms and Kids’ Bedrooms • Amazon Business $62.99 1 $62.99
Multi-Functional Sensory Mat for Autism Therapy and Play, Featuring Puzzle Tiles and Orthopedic Massage • Amazon Business $59.99 1 $59.99
9 Labeled Sensory Mats w/Lesson Plans, Sensory Toys for Kids with Autism, Sensory Wall & Autism Toys for Toddlers 3-4, Calming Corner Items Kids 5-7, 8-12, Special Education Classroom Must Haves • Amazon Business $47.97 1 $47.97
Amylove 6 Pcs Kids Ear Protection Headphones 27db Noise Reduction Adjustable Earmuffs for Autism Sensory Toddler Children • Amazon Business $45.99 1 $45.99
BouncyBand Stretch Band Focus Tool – 30” Resistance Band for Kids Stretches to Over 46” – Silent Sensory Tool Awakens Imagination, Develops Balance, and Strengthens Muscles • Amazon Business $14.99 2 $29.98
60 PCS Magnetic Building Tiles Kids Toys STEM Magnetic Blocks Sensory Toys Kids Games Magnet Building Toys for Boys and Girls Aged 3+, Kids Brain Development Preschool Kindergarten Toddler Toys • Amazon Business $25.99 1 $25.99
Fidget Solar System - Bubble POP Fidget Toy (calming corner, social emotional learning focus, STEM supplies, sensory fidgets) • DonorsChoose Featured Favorites $12.00 2 $24.00
5 Pcs Marble Maze Mat Sensory Fidget Stress Relief Toys,Sensory Mat Anxiety Calming Toys,Tactile Sensory Toys for Kids Adults Teens Autism with Special Needs School Classroom Home Supplies,2 Sizes • Amazon Business $16.99 1 $16.99
Squishy Stress Relief Sensory Toys Fidget Spiky Ball 5 - Pcs Set – Eco-Friendly Squeezy Antistress Toy Balls for Men, Women, Adults, Teens & Children –Ideal for People with OCD, ADHD, ADD & Autism • Amazon Business $14.90 1 $14.90
Fidget Spinner Bulk 4 Pack, Easter Basket Stuffers Sensory Pop Fidget Toys for Kids Adults, Fidget Spinners Anxiety Stress Relief, ADHD Autism Products for Girls Boys Birthday Gifts Classroom Prizes • Amazon Business $8.99 1 $8.99
Big Mo's Toys Liquid Motion Spiral Timer Toy for Sensory Play - Relaxing Bubble Motion Autism ADHD Fidget Toy for Calming, Sensory Visual Relaxation Desk Toy, ONE Piece (Assorted) • Amazon Business $7.95 1 $7.95

Materials cost

$940.62

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $66.31

3rd party payment processing fee

$14.11

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$1,051.04

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$185.48

Total project goal

$1,236.52

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. McAlister and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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