A Pepsi machine provides students with an opportunity to quench their thirsts, but Pepsi is also making an impact greater than satisfying people’s taste buds.

Dragonflies, a dance and drama program for people with autism and special needs, received a $10,000 grant from Pepsi in December 2011.

Pepsi is in the second year of their “Pepsi Refresh Project,” which has awarded more than 1,000 grants.

To Julia Boyd, director of the Dragonflies dance program in Charleston, said the grant is a dream come true.

“Our first purchase from the Pepsi Refresh grant were mats,” Boyd said. “The kids love them.”

During class, the red mats help keep her students comfortable while they are stretching and doing exercises on the floor.

“At first I laid the mats out for the students, but one day I decided to let them pick them up and place them in their spots themselves,” Boyd said, “It helps them connect with what we’re trying to accomplish here.”

Not only is the program being honored by Pepsi, but on April 3 the Charleston City Council declared April 22 “Dragonflies Special Needs Day.”

Boyd said the recognition comes at a great time for the organization.

“It’s (‘Dragonflies Special Needs Day’) the same weekend as ‘Celebration’ at EIU,” Boyd said. “This will be our first year at the event.”

With a boost from Pepsi and a day dedicated to Dragonflies, Boyd said her vision has become a reality and is excited for the program to grow.

“There’s a great need for a program like this in this area,” Boyd said. “The whole philosophy behind it is bigger than just one thing. It’ll be many things that catered to the needs of autistic and special needs.”

Avery Drake can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].