Catholic Memorial High students pack sensory backpacks for City of Waukesha, New Berlin, Muskego police departments to use with kids in crisis

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- On a Thursday morning, March 19, Declan McCarthy is surrounded by his classmates as they stand in a makeshift assembly line in their school's cafeteria.

The Catholic Memorial High junior is one of many working on a special project to help local police who come across children in crisis, with an emphasis on those with autism.

McCarthy and his friends are filling clear backpacks with sensory fidget toys, blankets, sunglasses, stuffed animals, picture signs for people who are nonverbal, and more which will then all be distributed to the City of Waukesha, New Berlin and Muskego Police Departments.

"My cousin is actually autistic, and he is kind of verbal, so it hit home and it's really cool we are helping people like that," McCarthy said. "It's just really cool and you feel good about yourself after so I think a lot more kids should be doing service projects."

Erica Komorowski, a community service officer with the New Berlin PD, said she was "thankful" when she heard what the kids were planning on building.

"It's going to be fantastic to have these on hand, ready to go in our squad cars or in our office," Komorowski said. "Sometimes they feel more comfortable, especially special needs children, with having some type of sensory item... I think it's really difficult sometimes when you don't know what the needs of that person are, so I think these are going to be great tools to help break down those communication barriers."

Officials said the bags will be distributed amongst the three departments and will be able to be used immediately.