Variety Club | 10/08/2007, back

Variety Club helps child at McMains Childrens Developmental Center

Variety is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of children around the world. Founded in 1928 by theatre owners in Pittsburgh, Varietys roots are in the entertainment industry, but its core is in the community. The Variety Clubs National Mobility Program, Kids on the Go! offers support to children with physical disabilities with the greatest financial need. Variety has learned that children with special needs want to be active members of their communities, and so decided to team up with the McMains Childrens Developmental Center.

Recently, Variety Club purchased an adapted bike worth $3,000 for LaToya James. She is a child with cerebral palsy from New Orleans who receives therapy at the McMains Childrens Developmental Center. LaToya and her family relocated to Baton Rouge after Hurricane Katrina. LaToya thoroughly enjoys her new adapted bike. She is non verbal, but laughs and makes happy noises as she rides on her bike. The bike is a wonderful tool to help her increase physical activity, interact with other children, and gain independence. McMains Childrens Developmental Center gladly welcomed LaToya and her family in 2006. LaToya receives physical and occupational therapy weekly at McMains CDC.

For more information on Variety and its programs, please visit www.usvariety.org.

LaToya James on her bike.