MONROE - On Sunday, a young girl from Monroe will have the chance of a lifetime as a reward for her work to help make other children's lives better.
Shopko will recognize eight children at Lambeau Field this season through its Kids Making A Difference contest. Michelle Hansen of Shopko's public relations department said guidelines for the contest were to find children between 6 and 12 years old throughout Wisconsin who were making a difference in their community outside of school projects.
Alivia Henning, 9, was selected as the first 2016 home game Kick-Off Kid and will be recognized Sunday when the Green Bay Packers take on the Detroit Lions.
"We were looking for kids who were making a positive impact on their community," Hansen said. "We really felt Alivia has demonstrated that within the community for other kids with autism."
Alivia was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at age 5. With high energy and a quick smile, the young lady was chosen as the Packers Kick-Off Kid because of her willingness to help other children like herself.
It began when her mother, Crystal Henning, was told to find a therapy blanket for Alivia after her daughter was diagnosed. But when Crystal went online, she found discouraging results: The only weighted blankets she could find were $200.
"I thought, 'We can't afford that,'" Crystal said. "But on the bottom of the screen it had a little disclaimer that said sometimes insurance will cover the cost."
Crystal submitted the paperwork, but coverage was denied. Then came a new idea. Through online research, it became clear that blankets like the one Alivia needed could be made.
"I had never sewn a day in my life," Crystal said with a laugh.
But she wanted to try. Four years later, Crystal and Alivia have made hundreds of weighted therapy blankets for kids of all ages with the help of supportive organizations like the Green County Fall Nationals, which donated the first funds to begin the Hennings' Hugs with Love project, the Monroe Lions Club, the Juda Fore Fathers, the Monroe Optimists and Southwest Health in Platteville.
Each blanket is geared toward a child's interest, from a favorite color to a favorite cartoon character. Each is weighed down with traditional cotton fluff, but extra white beads are added by hand to make the blankets feel more like a security covering. While Crystal does the sewing, Alivia helps with all other aspects, from picking the design to stuffing the material with its filling. Last year, Crystal said, the duo made 75 blankets to give away to families that need them.
"We can't make them fast enough," Crystal said.
Alivia was given four tickets to the game at Lambeau, a spot on the Packers game day program, a feature on the Tundra Vision screen and their story featured on the Shopko website for winning. Before the beginning of the Packers game, she will also wave to a full stadium.
Alivia is looking forward to taking a spot on the field and cannot wait for Sunday, though did admit to some nervous feelings.
As far as making the blankets for other kids, Alivia could not narrow down what exactly is her favorite part.
"Everything!" she exclaimed.
Shopko will recognize eight children at Lambeau Field this season through its Kids Making A Difference contest. Michelle Hansen of Shopko's public relations department said guidelines for the contest were to find children between 6 and 12 years old throughout Wisconsin who were making a difference in their community outside of school projects.
Alivia Henning, 9, was selected as the first 2016 home game Kick-Off Kid and will be recognized Sunday when the Green Bay Packers take on the Detroit Lions.
"We were looking for kids who were making a positive impact on their community," Hansen said. "We really felt Alivia has demonstrated that within the community for other kids with autism."
Alivia was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at age 5. With high energy and a quick smile, the young lady was chosen as the Packers Kick-Off Kid because of her willingness to help other children like herself.
It began when her mother, Crystal Henning, was told to find a therapy blanket for Alivia after her daughter was diagnosed. But when Crystal went online, she found discouraging results: The only weighted blankets she could find were $200.
"I thought, 'We can't afford that,'" Crystal said. "But on the bottom of the screen it had a little disclaimer that said sometimes insurance will cover the cost."
Crystal submitted the paperwork, but coverage was denied. Then came a new idea. Through online research, it became clear that blankets like the one Alivia needed could be made.
"I had never sewn a day in my life," Crystal said with a laugh.
But she wanted to try. Four years later, Crystal and Alivia have made hundreds of weighted therapy blankets for kids of all ages with the help of supportive organizations like the Green County Fall Nationals, which donated the first funds to begin the Hennings' Hugs with Love project, the Monroe Lions Club, the Juda Fore Fathers, the Monroe Optimists and Southwest Health in Platteville.
Each blanket is geared toward a child's interest, from a favorite color to a favorite cartoon character. Each is weighed down with traditional cotton fluff, but extra white beads are added by hand to make the blankets feel more like a security covering. While Crystal does the sewing, Alivia helps with all other aspects, from picking the design to stuffing the material with its filling. Last year, Crystal said, the duo made 75 blankets to give away to families that need them.
"We can't make them fast enough," Crystal said.
Alivia was given four tickets to the game at Lambeau, a spot on the Packers game day program, a feature on the Tundra Vision screen and their story featured on the Shopko website for winning. Before the beginning of the Packers game, she will also wave to a full stadium.
Alivia is looking forward to taking a spot on the field and cannot wait for Sunday, though did admit to some nervous feelings.
As far as making the blankets for other kids, Alivia could not narrow down what exactly is her favorite part.
"Everything!" she exclaimed.