Students in Walla Walla High School autism program make home-made dog bones to fund WII system

"Having a WII in the classroom, our students with Autism will be able to increase their activity level while also improving their hand/eye coordination," Wylie said.

The dog bones for sale are handmade by the students. The students also package the products and place them in baskets for delivery to various locations. According to Wylie, the project helps skills which extend well beyond fundraising.

"Each of these activities help our students become more self-sufficient in their day-to-day activities as well as assisting them in the future in the job place," Wylie said. "The goal of our program is assisting students to become more independent in their daily life and skill full workers in our community."

Wylie says the products are a hit.

"We have been selling the dog bones for one week and the community response has been overwhelming," she said. "Not only do people in the community love the product, they also like doing something that supports such a great cause."

The dog bones are currently being sold through various local businesses including coffee shops and hair salons. Dog bones are also available at Walla Walla High School, several of the elementary schools and the district office. Baker Boyer Bank has also been a supporter of the program by purchasing some to hand out to drive through customers at their main branch location. Cost is $2 a package for the "itty bitty" bones, $2 for small bones and $3 for the "humongous" bones.

Orders can be taken by Jennifer Wylie at 520-8028 or jwylie@wwps.org.