The Walthourville Police Department hosted the first-ever Love Needs No Words event on April 2 at Johnny Frasier Park.

This event was designed for children with autism to be a part of a special day that honored them, and the police department, along with the mayor, wanted to come up with ideas to make sure that they connect with their community.

Police Chief Al Hagen was there and spoke about how important an inclusive event like this really is.

“We want to make sure they understand that we care about them in our community,” Hagen said. “We want to make sure the parents have information and understand that we are a caring police department.”

The event consisted of different stations at which children with autism could play, and they also gave the kids a chance to work on improving their skills. There was a puzzle station, a smelling station, a texture station, a Play-Doh slime station and a raffle station for kids to get tickets in order to win great prizes. Balloons and goodie bags were distributed to the kids, and there were food and drinks for the children and their parents to enjoy including hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and cupcakes.

Businesses represented at the event included Safe Kids, which deals with the safety of children in cars. Stepping Stones, a speech therapy center, was also present to give information on its programs.

Mayor Larry Baker of Walthourville was on hand to lend his support for the event, as was Natalie Lopez, Public Information Officer for the Walthourville Police Department. Lopez came up with the idea for the event after seeing a dear friend who has an autistic daughter, and it sparked a desire in her to bring awareness to the cause.

“I see the struggles that she goes through and the breakthroughs that she has,” Lopez said. “It just inspired me to do something for all children that have autism, and there’s not too much in our community, and nothing’s really done for them. So I thought it would be a great time to bring some light to it.”

Baker said he supported Lopez’s idea from the start.

“She brought it to my attention and I thought, ‘Yes, let’s do it,’” Baker said. “This is a great idea, and we are hoping to have it annually.”

Baker also gave a few shout-outs to some of the individuals and organizations that made this event possible, including Lopez, Hagen, the Walthourville Police Department, the Fire Department and Mr. Tank, who runs Fair Memory Outdoor Movies, Family Farms and Poultry.

Baker also pointed out that the event was entirely supported by donations and sponsorships.

“A sign was out listing some of the sponsors that generously gave to help put the event together,” Baker said. “No out-ofpocket expense from the city at all.”

All parties involved, especially Baker and Lopez, hope that this event will be a success with each passing year.

“We are looking to hopefully grow each year,” Lopez said. “With each event that we do, we just hope to make a bigger, better and happier place.”