Local children with disabilities received life-changing gifts Tuesday in Archbald during a program sponsored by Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit, Variety–the Children’s Charity and Blackburn’s, a medical equipment company. During the hourlong event, families talked about the positive effect of the new equipment, and the kids tested it out in a “parade of celebration.” The partners presented three adaptive bikes and four adaptive strollers, using funds raised through local supporters. With Tuesday’s distribution, Variety has presented 160 adaptive bikes, adaptive strollers and communication devices to youths in the NEIU’s service area of Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wayne counties. Among the recipients was 13-year-old Hunter Benson of Throop, who was given his second new adaptive bike, after outgrowing his first. “Hunter loves the outdoors and will be so happy to have something he can do out of his wheelchair,” said his mother, Lorena Benson. “He will be able to ride outside or indoors to keep his legs moving and provide critical cardiovascular exercise. He is no longer able to walk, so this adaptive bike is very important for him.”
Variety the Children’s Charity CEO Tom Baker and Program Manger Molly Crawford share stories about other families that received equipment from the organization at Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit in Archbald on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Three local families received adaptative bikes and four received strollers. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Hunter Benson, 13, smiles for the camera as he sits on his new bike at Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit in Archbald on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Benson says it feels good to get a new set of wheels. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Alicia Acker pushes her son Joseph Acker, 9, as he peddles his new bike during the equipment giveaway at Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit in Archbald on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
A bear sits in a stroller during the equipment giveaway at Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit in Archbald on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Variety The Children’s Family gave seven local families adaptive strollers and bikes. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Alicia Acker helps her son Joseph Acker, 9, get adjusted in his new bike during the equipment give away at Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit in Archbald on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Acker says it’s awesome to receive an adjustable bicycle that can grow with her son. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)