Autism Society of Mahoning Valley to present holiday mini grants

STRUTHERS — The Autism Society of Mahoning Valley will present this year's holiday mini grants, funded by the Mike Hull Memorial Fund, at the Holiday Autism Family Gift Presentation & Bowling Party, 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 15) at Holiday Bowl, 777 Youngstown-Poland Road.

Seven Valley families were selected to be awarded grants through the fund. Gifts will include iPads needed as communication devices, an indoor swing, an identification bracelet and gymnastics items.

"This year, the Mike Hull fund focused on the greatest need, which was giving iPads to autistic individuals who are nonverbal," Robin Suzelis, board president of the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley, said in a news release. "It is estimated that 25 to 50 percent of children diagnosed with autism never speak — or not more than a few words. There are many caregivers that are not able to afford iPads, and therefore their child has no way of expressing wants or needs."

Melissa Kalaman and her family created the grant in 2014 with proceeds from the annual Mike Hull Memorial Poker Run for Autism. Each summer, motorcyclists take part in the ride and basket auction that follows in honor of Mike Hull, who was a beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather with a cherished granddaughter on the autism spectrum.

For information, contact Suzelis at 330-333-9609 or info@autismmv.org.

This story was originally published December 13, 2019 at 7:56 AM with the headline "Autism Society of Mahoning Valley to present holiday mini grants."