xMindsWire July/August 2026
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Count von Count Would be Impressed HOW XMINDS SERVED THE AUTISM COMMUNITY IN 2025-26 |
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As we get ready for a new year of xMinds programming, we’re excited to report all that we accomplished in 2025-26, thanks to the support of our volunteers, donors, and professional members. After
hearing from many of you about your interest in getting more involved
with xMinds, we spent the year implementing one of the main priorities
in our three-year strategic plan: “Build organizational capacity of xMinds by mobilizing a trained volunteer base.” Toward that goal, we increased xMinds’ staff with the addition of a full-time Community Engagement Coordinator.
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With your help and the new staff on board, we were able to continue to make a difference in the lives of MoCo families with autistic students. Here are just some examples of our services (and results) over the past year:
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We attracted over 63,700 visitors to our online resources.
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Our classroom accommodations page remained our most popular (after our home page), with over 17,390 pageviews during the program year
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Our monthly newsletter xMindsWire was distributed to over 7,000 subscribers, with a separate Spanish newsletter to 200 more.
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Our 2026 Summer Camp guide received almost 1,800 views.
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We hosted over 400 families at our monthly playground and open gym meetups.
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We provided 222 free consultations through the volunteer consult team and two clinics, offering guidance on special education and transition to adulthood benefits and services.
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We distributed nearly $13,800 through our Educator Grant Program to 106 MCPS educators and paraeducators, directly benefiting an estimated 2,338 autistic students.
To find out more about our accomplishments, see a comprehensive list of the 2025-26 achievements on the xMinds website. Thanks to all of you, our beautiful community, for helping xMinds close out a truly successful year.
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Join our Summer Teen Art Event
GET YOUR CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING |
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Do you have a middle- or high-schooler who could use a creative outlet this summer? Join xMinds as we welcome artist Ash Ariel for a teen art event, Thursday, August 13, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the beautiful space of Cura Personalis Project Inc., 718 Cloverly St, Silver Spring, MD 20905. Ash Ariel is the founder of NeuroNest,
which she describes as “a welcoming, inclusive creative space for
people of all ages in the DMV - especially those who have found
traditional art settings overwhelming or inaccessible, regardless of
neurotype or lived experience.”
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The event will include two art stations: one to learn how to make a zine, the other to make a collage or whatever your child's heart desires. To keep it from becoming overwhelming, we’ll keep it to 30 people max, so sign up now to ensure your space. |
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Make a Splash in Germantown!
COOL DOWN WITH YOUR FRIENDS ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 |
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Nothing feels better on a hot summer day than running through a 280-jet fountain maze or standing inside a cool cave with a refreshing waterfall. Meeting up with xMinds friends is an added bonus! |
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Join the xMinds BIPOC Outreach Team for summer fun at South Germantown SplashPark, Sunday, August 16, 10 a.m.-noon. All local families with an autistic child and their siblings are welcome.
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Pre-register HERE by 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, for a limited number of free passes on a first-come, first-served basis, courtesy of xMinds. Otherwise, admission is $6.50 per person, ages 2 and up. |
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When you arrive, please let the staff know you are with xMinds. The park is located at 18056 Central Park Circle, Boyds, MD. xMinds will provide snacks and drinks, and a concessions stand is available. If we need to postpone due to the weather, we’ll email all registered participants and will post any updates on our website, www.xminds.org by 9 a.m. on August 16. Remember to RSVP in advance to receive free admission and to get any email updates. Not familiar with the xMinds BIPOC Outreach Team? This group connects with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) families in Montgomery County to share fellowship, resources, and community. To learn more, visit our xMinds BIPOC page and register for our next online monthly parent discussion group on Monday, August 3, at 7 p.m., led by BIPOC team leader Nico Critcher. If you're attending the Splash Park event, be sure to stop by and say hi to Nico in person, or reach out anytime at nicocritcher@gmail.com. |
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Enjoy a Good Laugh With xMinds!
GIVE A HOOT COMEDY CLUB HOSTS XMINDS BENEFIT ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 |
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We all need a little more laughter in our lives, don’t we? xMinds has you covered. Baltimore native Jared Stern will headline an xMinds fundraiser this August! Bring your whole family for a night of hilarious comedy, and enjoy a full-service Mexican dinner while you’re at it (Give a Hoot is located at 16143 Shady Grove Rd, Gaithersburg MD 20877, inside La Mexicana restaurant, so food and drink is available for purchase). Doors open at 7 p.m. and parking is free. |
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Jared Stern has been making complete strangers laugh for over 20 years. He was voted the Best Comedian in D.C. by Washington City Paper readers in 2013, 2023, and 2024. You may know him from his comedy special, A Couple Of Characters on Prime Video and Apple TV+, or his podcast Between Two Sterns. His new album, Live On Broadway*, is available on all digital platforms. |
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Unlike in years past, this year's event is one night only! Seating is strictly limited to 80 guests and Give a Hoot often sells out! Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, if available. Purchase tickets here! |
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xMinds Summer Playground Meetups
FUN FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY FAMILIES |
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Want to be a kid again and take your turn on the slide or swings? We don’t judge. Join xMinds for our monthly playground meetup in a safe, fully enclosed space. While the kids (and adults too!) play, xMinds staff and other seasoned parents will be on hand to provide drinks, snacks, and sunscreen, and perhaps a piece of advice or two. |
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We’re meeting Saturday, July 18, 10-11:30 a.m. at the playground behind Ivymount School, 11614 Seven Locks Rd., Rockville, MD. No cost, no registration required, just show up! (Want severe weather alerts? Sign up here for email reminders.) And mark your calendars for future summer meetups:
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August 15, 10-11:30 a.m. (Saturday)
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September 19, 10-11:30 a.m. (Saturday)
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July is National Parks and Recreation Month
GET OUTSIDE WITH YOUR LITTLE ONES |
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Have you heard about programs at Montgomery Parks, but aren’t quite sure your little one can handle it? In honor of National Parks and Recreation Month, xMinds is highlighting Program Access, a team we have partnered with over the years to ensure inclusion for everyone. |
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Program Access, also referred to as “Inclusion,” is the means by which individuals with disabilities are welcome to participate in Montgomery Parks recreation and leisure activities of their choice. The program provides reasonable modifications to enable an individual’s successful participation in a program.
Examples of reasonable modifications include: enhanced staff-to-participant ratio; adaptive equipment; ongoing disability & sensitivity training for staff; and companions or job coaches. The modifications vary for each individual and will be determined after an assessment has been completed.As July is also Disability Pride Month, check out Montgomery Parks’ series of events for you and your family to enjoy. |
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xMinds Named to Spur Local's 2026 Nonprofit Class
LIST GETS ACCESS TO NETWORK AND RESOURCES |
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Time to toot our own horn. xMinds has been named to the 2026 class of local nonprofits sponsored by Spur Local (formerly the Catalogue for Philanthropy). We're honored to join this incredible network of changemakers dedicated to creating stronger, more inclusive communities for all. |
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The
129 organizations were chosen for their “critical local impact” by
volunteers who live and work in the region. After volunteer community
advocates read all the applications, the Spur Local team conducted
financial reviews and site visits. As a Spur Local nonprofit partner, xMinds will now have free access to capacity-building support to strengthen our organization, network-building opportunities to foster relationships across the local sector, and professional development resources to grow as nonprofit leaders, all for the next four years.
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Join Our Monthly Parent Discussion Groups
SHARE STRATEGIES WITH THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN THERE |
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Save the dates for the summer sessions of our virtual, drop-in discussion groups tailored for parents and caregivers of MoCo autistic students. These targeted groups provide a great opportunity to connect with others who have shared interests and concerns. |
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Discussion groups are always free and operate on a casual, drop-in basis. If you haven’t had a chance to try out a group during the school year, this summer could be the perfect opportunity! The summer schedule is below. Register just once to receive your Zoom link – which stays the same each month, so hang on to it. Our Active Summer Groups: Let’s Talk Transitions. For parents/caregivers of an autistic child in middle or high school, approaching the transition to adulthood. Next meetings will be July 22 and August 26. Register here. Small Steps Together. For parents/caregivers of an autistic elementary or preschool child. Next meetings will be July 27 and August 24 Register here. People of the Global Majority. For parents/caregivers of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students. Next meeting will be August 3. Register here. Hablemos Educación Especial. Grupo de discusión mensual en línea en español para los padres/cuidadores de un estudiante autista. De vacaciones de verano. Regístrese aquí.
Lunchtime Reboot: Relax, unwind and learn some methods to beat the stress of parenting. Off for the summer Next meeting will be September 7. Monthly topic: Navigating School and Services Without Burning Out Register here. |
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Wrapup: Bike to the Beach XMINDS TEAM CROSSED THE BAY JUNE 19 |
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Our team biked to the beach on June 19, and you helped us reach the finish line. We are thrilled to report that we surpassed our stretch goal of $60,000, having raised $65,598 at press time from 548 individual donors. Amazing! |
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Team xMinds at the Finish Line |
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If you meant to give but missed the big day, you can still donate here until August 17! Your contributions directly fund all of xMinds’ vital work to improve education for autistic children in Montgomery County. Find out more about this fundraiser on the xMinds website, where we spell out all the details about this fun and important event. |
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THANKS TO OUR GOLD SPONSORS
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Impress your Friends with xMinds Merch
ADVOCATE IN STYLE AND SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE |
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Ever attended a local event and wish you had the swag to show off your favorite nonprofit? xMinds has launched a merchandise store to fill that need. You can find T-shirts, hats, tote bags, water bottles, travel mugs, tumblers with the xMinds logo and other custom graphics designed by our own staff member Suzanne Minatra. All the proceeds from the sales (after production costs) go to support our events and resources. |
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To introduce you to our new swag, we’re holding a summer sale through the end of July. Use promo code SUMMER15 for 15% off, and it expires July 31. So now’s the perfect time to pick up some new accessories for all your summer plans.
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Bring xMinds Sensory Lounge to Your School
GIVE YOUR STUDENTS A PLACE TO BREATHE |
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Do you host events at your school where autistic kids feel uncomfortable or stand on the edges of the room? xMinds can help. We’ve created a popup sensory lounge that your school or other community organization can hire for the day or evening. |
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Bringing a sensory room to your event is easier than ever with xMinds. Our team handles the heavy lifting by managing complete delivery, setup, and teardown, while consulting with you through planning and execution. To help cover our staff time and the ongoing upkeep of our sensory supplies, xMinds requests a $250 rental fee (which may vary slightly depending on the scope of your event). Because keeping the environment calm requires active oversight, event organizers are responsible for providing dedicated chaperones from the school, organization or parent volunteers. To set your team up for success, xMinds provides comprehensive operational guidelines, hands-on guidance, and strategic chaperone recommendations derived from our pilot program. Specific supplies and equipment are tailored based on the age of expected attendees and your available space. Here is a sample of what may be included in a Sensory Lounge:
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Lighting & Atmosphere: Blackout tents, soothing lamps, twinkly curtain lights, and a portable LED projector
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Flooring & Seating: Textured rugs, soft foam floor mats, sensory floor tiles, hanging hammock chairs, and beanbags
Sensory & Regulation Tools: Noise-canceling headphones, a pop-up ball pit, and plenty of tactile fidget toys We are incredibly excited about the potential of this new program to make Montgomery County school events genuinely inclusive for autistic and neurodivergent students. Any school administration or parent association in MoCo is welcome to inquire about booking our sensory room. Or if you want a consultation on how to design a sensory space of your own, please reach out! Contact info@xminds.org for more information or fill out this Google form: https://tinyurl.com/3k9fneps |
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Volunteer for the xMinds Policy Team USE YOUR EXPERTISE TO ADVOCATE FOR GOOD |
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Are you an avid follower of MCPS policy and how it affects special education? We’d love you to be part of the xMinds Policy team. News about our kids’ education is coming fast and furious. Having a seat at the table can both prepare parents for the coming changes and allow for our voices to be heard as these changes go into effect.
The federal government, state of Maryland, and Montgomery County are facing large budget deficits and as a result, have cut special education progressively over the last few years. In addition, MCPS has a new Chief Student Support Officer who is executing against a long-range plan to provide more support and resources in home schools with the hope of moving more kids into a general education environment.
What’s the time commitment? Our team currently meets for one hour bi-weekly. As with most volunteer efforts, you get out what you put in — more time and effort generally lead to greater results! There may be virtual or in-person meetings to attend (monthly SECAC or Board of Education meetings), but most are posted and/or have transcripts if needed. We’d love to have you onboard at the beginning of the school year, but it's a year-long effort, so there are no hard deadlines.
For more information contact the Policy Team Leader, Melayne Cohen at mcohen@xminds.org.
Explore our Volunteer Hub to discover many more ways to get involved with xMinds. |
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Thank You, Jackie! LONGTIME BOARD MEMBER CALLS IT A WRAP |
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With the deepest gratitude and appreciation, the xMinds Board of Directors bids farewell to Jacqueline Renfrow. Jackie chaired our Fundraising Committee, including finding wonderful collaborators (and venues!) for xMinds events and booking the all-important popcorn kiosk for our Fall Fun-raiser. She also served on the Strategic Planning Committee, where she showed off her genetic bonafides, along with her father who generously advised us as we crafted our three-year strategic plan.
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During
xMinds events, she rallied the tween/teen volunteers who were runners
at our clinics, using her experience of having three children, each of
whom has unique gifts and learning disabilities. Professionally,
Jackie is a journalist with more than 20 years of experience in
writing, communications, and marketing skills – read her recent article in Washington Family.
In addition, she serves as an education commissioner for the City of
Rockville and adjunct faculty at the Johns Hopkins University School of
Education. She’s also the education inclusion specialist at Temple Beth
Ami. We wish her all the best. |
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Monthly Series: Autistic Voices
FINDING HUMOR IN EVERYDAY QUIRKS |
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In this month’s Autistic Voices series, we are highlighting Sara Gibbs, comedian and founder of the Daily Tism, a satirical yet brutally honest website, similar to the Onion. Such headlines include: “White autistic boy trying to play with his trains keeps being photographed for stock image library” and “New game show allows autistic girls to win a misdiagnosis,” just to name two. |
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Her online bio notes, “Sara Gibbs is the weird pale ginger one who’s been staring intently at you for far too long. When she’s not working on The Daily Tism, she’s known to occasionally write books, such as her memoir Drama Queen: One Autistic Woman and a Life of Unhelpful Labels,” She has also written for “many more shows that make men of a certain age write angry letters to the BBC about how everything is too woke these days.” In a 2019 interview with the Jewish Chronicle, Gibbs describes the process of being diagnosed as autistic at 30. “Look,” I said, exasperated. “I already suffer from anxiety, depression, all this random sensory stuff, I have no energy…” I reeled off my symptoms — at least, the ones I wasn’t still working overtime to hide from the world. “I can’t have yet another thing wrong with me.” Find Sara on Blue Sky and Instagram. |
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Professional Member Spotlight As a benefit to both our families and professional members, xMinds publishes information about our professional members here in the xMindsWire as well as on our website. Inclusion does not constitute our endorsement. This month, xMinds would like to highlight the following new and renewing professional members: |
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NeuroNest Advising LLC
www.neuronestadvising.com
joann@neuronestadvising.com Services: Behavioral support; Special education advocacy |
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NeuroNest
Advising partners with parents of neurodivergent and high-needs
children (primarily ages 5–12), providing personalized, neuro-affirming
guidance to help families better understand their child's unique
strengths and challenges. Through one-on-one and group coaching, we
deliver practical strategies and trusted resources - from a lived
experience lens - to empower caregivers to navigate everyday parenting
moments with greater confidence and connection.
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Rebecca Resnik & Associates
Executive Office: 6125 Executive Boulevard, North Bethesda, MD 20852 Old Georgetown Office: 11510 Old Georgetown Rd, Suite F, North Bethesda, MD 20852 301-581-1120;www.resnikpsychology.com
Contact: Rebecca Resnik; drresnik@resnikpsychology.com
Services: Behavioral
therapy, Educational consulting, Educational testing, Medical/medicine
management, Neuropsychological testing, Psychological counseling |
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For
15 years, we have offered exceptional psychological assessment,
psychotherapy, medical/dental desensitization, educational advocacy,
psychiatry, and training/continuing education. Our highly credentialed
licensed clinicians provide all services personally in a sensory
friendly environment (including testing). Unlike other practices where
inexperienced grad students learn by practicing on your child, our
clinicians are fully licensed, highly experienced professionals with
excellent credentials. Our clinicians are highly committed to evidence
based practice and scholarship. We personalize all services around your
goals so you or your child can achieve your full potential.
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Upcoming xMinds Events
XMINDS CORE EVENTS, RESOURCES & SERVICES ARE ALWAYS FREE
Saturday, July 18, 10-11:30 a.m.
Playground Meetup
Meet other elementary and preschool families with autistic children. Join us for outdoor play at Ivymount School in Rockville, MD. Register here.
Wednesday, July 22, 7-7:45 p.m.
Let's Talk Transitions
Online discussion group for MoCo parents of autistic students in middle or high school. Register here
Monday, July 27, 7-7:45 p.m.
Small Steps Together
Online discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of autistic elementary or preschool children. Register here
Monday, August 3, 7-7:45 p.m.
People of the Global Majority
Online discussion group for MoCo parents/guardians of autistic children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Register here
Thursday, August 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Teen Art Event A relaxed space for autistic tweens and teens to create alongside one another. Register here.
Sunday, August 16, 10 a.m.-noon
Splash Park Get Together Annual summer social at South Germantown SplashPark. Register here. |
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Saturday, August 29, 8 p.m. show (doors open at 7 p.m.)
Give a Hoot Comedy Fundraiser
Comedy night benefitting xMinds.Tickets required. Register here.
Monday, September 7, 12-12:45 p.m.
Lunchtime Reboot
Relax, unwind and learn strategies to beat the stress of parenting. September’s topic: Navigating School and Services Without Burning Out Register here. Community Calendar
Our community calendar is FULL of great offerings not only from xMinds, but from professional service providers located in Montgomery County. Check out the programs and events posted on our Events Calendar.
Note: Our Events Calendar shows events on their start date, but some community programs require you to apply before the start date, so please look ahead! |
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Please consider donating to xMinds. We offer all our resources to families and educators at no cost to ensure they are accessible to everyone who needs them. Your support is essential in helping us continue this work. Every contribution makes a difference!
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