Darvin Furniture & Mattress Donation Leads to New Sensory Room at Orland Park Library

November 25, 2020  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry   

“The library wants to be able to serve the community beyond books,” says Joanna Leafblad, president Orland Park Board of Library Trustees. “We want everyone to feel comfortable. Nobody needs to feel they are not welcome.”

According to Darvin Furniture & Mattress President Will Harris, the donation from the 100-year-old retailer was just another way for Darvin to express how important and how meaningful it is to be an active member in their community.

“When we became aware of the need for a sensory room at the library, it immediately felt to us like it was a place we might be able to help out,” says Harris. “I think everyone has firsthand experience, or at the very least knows someone affected by Autism. Our hope is this will have a real impact on families’ lives here in Orland Park.”

The room, which features an ASD-appropriate paint hue, furnishings, innovative lighting and tactile-focused accessories, will become a welcome sanctuary for Autistic children and their parents visiting the library.

The Sensory Space is part of a growing national ASD awareness. Leafblad explains that families who bring their children to the library will have a new place to go to if they find themselves “having a difficult moment,” she says. “We want to make it easier for them to stay at the library.”

Harris says Darvin Furniture & Mattress is glad they had the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. “Darvin has been in business in Chicagoland for 100 years and we have always been dedicated to providing our customers with a great experience. I see this as just an extension of our commitment and a very rewarding way for all of us to give back to our community.”