County kids, Shenandoah girl, receive adaptive equipment courtesy of children’s charity
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - Amaia, 5, of Shenandoah, is secured in her ne adaptive stroller at the Schuylkill IU 29 campus in Mar Lin on Jan. 9, 2025.
MAR LIN – Seven kids, including a Shenandoah girl, received custom-made mobility equipment Thursday afternoon.
It was all thanks to Variety, the Children’s Charity, based in Pittsburgh.
The presentation took place at the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit campus in Mar Lin.
Adaptive bikes and strollers, provided by Blackburn’s Medical Equipment, were presented to the kids and their parents. They received a safety presentation and then the kids were able to test out their equipment and parade around the gymnasium at the IU.
Since 2012, more than 8,050 adaptive bikes, adaptive strollers, and communication devices have been presented to eligible kids throughout Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia, which Variety says is over $12.1 Million worth of equipment.
In Schuylkill County, 256 bikes, strollers, and communication devices have been presented in Schuylkill County. The Sentinel was there in 2020 when 34 adaptive bicycles and 10 strollers were presented.
Variety CEO Tom Baker and Program Manager Molly Crawford said the equipment can be life-changing and provide families hope for the future.
One of the recipients of an adaptive stroller was 5-year-old Amaia, of Shenandoah. Her mom Wildania said the stroller will help the girl stay safe and allow the family to leave the home more without worrying about Amaia running away.
An adaptive bike was given to 14-year-old Ben, of Orwigsburg, which will allow him to play with friends his age.
If you’d like to help Variety’s efforts to provide this equipment, none of which is funded through insurance, Variety welcomes donations.
Additionally, if your family is in need of such equipment, visit https://www.varietypittsburgh.org/applynow/ to learn more.
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