SMETHPORT — Variety, the Children’s Charity, and Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9 hosted A Day of Impact for Local Kids Tuesday at the IU9 administrative offices.
At this session, Variety’s chief Executive Officer Charles LaVallee and members of the organization’s staff presented 13 adaptive bikes and three adaptive strollers worth $27,000 to local children from the IU9 service area that includes McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter counties.
Variety staff explained the operation of the bikes and strollers and how these mobility devices can be transported in automobiles.
Even as the pandemic has slowed down daily life, Variety has kept moving forward at an historic pace to impact even more children with disabilities. With this presentation, Variety will have presented 93 bikes, strollers and devices worth more than $150,000 to local children.
LaVallee said, “Excitedly, Variety crossed over the 1,000 pieces of equipment presented during the pandemic, and now, we are projected to present another 180+ pieces by the end of July.”
This summer Variety wants to find every eligible child who could benefit from its free equipment programs. Variety accepts applications throughout the year from eligible children, ages three through 21 for its three programs.
My Bike Program currently provides Rifton adaptive bikes to eligible children to provide them freedom, joy and a sense of belonging.
My Stroller Program currently provides Kid Kart Might Life adaptive strollers to give them “on-the-go” mobility and easily participate in community activities.
My Voice Program provides communication devices — currently an iPad — with a prescribed communication app to eligible children to give them a voice at all times.
Families can apply for one, two or all three programs if they are eligible and their child could benefit, and all equipment is free for those who qualify, with Variety raising the funds.
Interested families can visit http://www.varietypittsburgh.org/applynow to learn more or apply or call the office at 724-933-0460.
