The Department for Children and Families says that due to a tremendous amount of donations, the needs for an autistic teen who was left at a Kansas rest stop have been met.

DCF said Friday afternoon that further donations are no longer needed. 

"The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is very grateful to all of the individuals who donated items to help this individual in need, especially around the holiday season," the agency said in a news release.

A Beaumont rest stop custodian found the 17-year-old boy at around 6 a.m. on Thursday, November 29. He had no identification and could not speak. The sheriff's office later learned his identity and that he was from the Tulsa area.

The teen's grandmother, 68-year-old Janie Gill, was arrested in Rogers County, Oklahoma, on Monday. She faces charges of child neglect in Oklahoma, and aggravated child endangerment and interference with law enforcement in Kansas.

DCF said anyone who wishes to donate to a child in need can visit Hope for Holidays to donate gift cards to provide youth in foster care with holiday gifts.

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After numerous people asked where they could send donations for an Oklahoma teen with autism who was left at a Kansas rest stop last month, there are now two places to send those items. 

Greenwood County Sheriff Heath Samuels said the donations can be dropped off or sent to Flinthills Services at the following address:

Flinthills Services, Inc.
505 Walnut Valley Drive
El Dorado, KS 67042

The Kansas Department for Children and Families will also receive donations for the teen at their Wichita office. They ask that all items are unwrapped, due to safety and security reasons, and are dropped off before December 19th.

Wichita DCF
2601 S Oliver 
Wichita, KS 67210

Donors are asked to mark the items with “Greenwood County Juvenile.” The following items are needed:

  • Shirts (L and XL)
  • Pants (38x34)
  • Pillow
  • Twin size bedding
  • Hat and Gloves
  • Winter Coat
  • Underwear and Socks
  • Shoes (size 10.5W)
  • Small radio
  • Posters (Wolverine, Star Wars, Superheroes)
  • Movies (Children’s, Action)
  • iPad or tablet

A Beaumont rest stop custodian found the 17-year-old boy at around 6 a.m. on Thursday, November 29. He had no identification and could not speak. The sheriff's office later learned his identity and that he was from the Tulsa area.

The teen's grandmother, 68-year-old Janie Gill, was arrested in Rogers County, Oklahoma, on Monday. She faces charges of child neglect in Oklahoma, and aggravated child endangerment and interference with law enforcement in Kansas. 

Sheriff Samuels believes the teen was left at the rest stop before 11 p.m., the night before he was found. He remains in protective custody.

Gill told deputies she left him at the rest stop because she knew someone would find him and give him the services and care he needs.