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New store owner raising autism awareness

Dothan Eagle - 7/30/2017

COTTONWOOD - True Colors will open its doors in Cottonwood next week. The business will offer two services to its customers. It will sell gently used clothing and toys at a reasonable price. Second, the store will try to raise autism awareness.

"This has always been a dream of mine," said True Colors owner Brandi Burkett. "Not only opening a business, but educating everyone on autism. So many individuals don't understand autism, and this will not only help educate my shoppers, but it will also allow my shoppers to make a difference in the life of a child with autism."

Once True Colors opens, a portion of the store will serve as an educational center featuring many brochures on autism.

"Unless you have to deal with autism on a daily basis, there is no way to totally understand what that child or family is going through. Hopefully, with the information being made available here, more will take time to become more familiar with autism."

Burkett's son has autism, so she knows the struggles a family and the child can face.

"Times can be hard," Burkett said. "That is why I have agreed to donate a portion of my monthly sales to the Alabama Autism Assistance Program/HANDS and the Autism Society of Alabama. These programs help families by providing a wide variety of services and scholarships to children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families. These services were established to help children receive services who could not otherwise afford them. "

Burkett is also in the process of working with a local bank to start an account to assist local children with autism.

"My goal is to open an account at one of the banks in Cottonwood where I can make frequent contributions," Burkett said. "This account will go toward helping our local autism families. Many families can't afford the co-pay on their children's medications. This account will help those families during their times of need. The funds will go directly to the pharmacist. That way, that child can receive his or her medication."