A nine-year-old boy from Virginia has been named TIME's 2026 Kid of the Year for creating emergency comfort kits for children with autism. Ledger Mann started the initiative after hearing about a search for a missing child with autism. The incident made him think about how frightening emergencies could be for children who struggle with unfamiliar surroundings, loud sounds and bright lights. Ledger's father, JT Mann, is a sergeant with the Prince George County Police Department. After returning from a search operation, he told his family about a boy who had gone missing. The child was eventually found hiding inside a storage cabinet beneath a gas grill on the back deck of his home. The boy had autism and sensory-processing challenges. First responders had searched the surrounding area with police officers, firefighters, a drone and search dogs before finding him. JT had used a video on his phone to get the child's attention and help him feel less afraid. Ledger, who also has autism, understood how overwhelming the experience could have been. “I felt a little sad for him,” Ledger said, as quoted by Time. “I felt a little bad for him.”
After hearing his father's account, Ledger began thinking about what could help children with autism feel safer during emergencies. He suggested that first responders should carry bags containing items that could comfort children during stressful situations. His list included blankets, soft toys, books, fidget spinners, wireless headphones and sunglasses. He also suggested keeping a dry-erase board and marker for children who are nonverbal and may find it difficult to communicate. Ledger wanted the items to be kept in a clear backpack so children could see what was inside and point to what they needed. “Dad,” he told his father, “you don’t have those things.” His mother, Amanda Mann, said Ledger developed the entire concept in about 10 minutes. She and JT, along with Ledger's elder brother Peyton, 16, decided to help turn his idea into reality.
Ledger's savings became the first source of money for the initiative. He had around $100 in his piggy bank, as he regularly saved money and did not like spending it. The amount was enough to purchase supplies for the first four bags, including soft toys and other comfort items. The family delivered them to local police stations and fire stations. The positive response from first responders encouraged Ledger to prepare more. However, his savings could not support the growing project. His father approached local organisations and community groups for help. The family received donations from churches, the Moose Lodge, the Fraternal Order of Police and other civic organisations. The items were kept affordable, with most purchases made from Dollar Tree and Dollar General stores. JT said the bags did not contain expensive products and that even the headphones cost around $5. Ledger also took responsibility for packing the bags. He carefully checked the contents and made sure every item was arranged properly and remained visible.
The family initially distributed the bags across Dinwiddie County, which covers 286 square miles. They placed them at central locations so emergency responders could access them without travelling long distances. Hospitals, emergency medical services teams, police departments and fire departments began keeping the bags at their locations. The initiative soon attracted attention beyond the county. A local television report earlier this year brought requests and offers of support from individuals, companies and first-responder groups in Florida, New York, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina and other parts of Virginia. A woman even travelled from Texas to Virginia to deliver bags donated by her company and meet Ledger. So far, the family has assembled and distributed more than 475 bags across six states. They have also created a Facebook page called LGM Bags, named after Ledger Greyson Mann. The family is looking to register the initiative as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation.
Children who receive the bags during emergencies can choose and keep any item that comforts them. First responders take back the remaining contents and the backpack, replacing the items that have been used. Soft toys have emerged as the most popular comfort items. Ledger's mother said stuffed animals can help children feel safe, regardless of their gender.
The family also visits communities that request the bags, delivering completed kits and helping local groups assemble more. These visits allow Ledger to meet first responders and see how his initiative is helping children. One participating area, Ulster County in New York, has committed to assembling 100 bags. The family arranged a Zoom meeting so Ledger could explain how they should be packed. Ledger continues to attend school and enjoy his hobbies, including Lego, jujitsu and football. He has also expressed interest in becoming a police officer, builder or working with robotics. The family hopes to expand the initiative across the country. “I want to have this go everywhere,” Ledger said. “To all of America!”
