Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis
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August 18, 2011
With out Variety Club I am not sure that we would beable to take care of our special needs daughter. They have helped us MANY times when the ins. Company could/would not pay for the equipment. I will forever be greatful for Variety Club and what they have done for us and other famlies like us! Many people do not understand the need for the equipment or the cost of it. God Bless Variety Club and Everyone that contributes to them To make all of this possible.
Forever Greatful,
Tammy
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Many ways, We can take our daughter EVERYWHERE we go! Variety Club plays a roll with our daily lives.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nothing!
August 18, 2011
I wish I could give Variety 10 stars! What a fabulous organization. Our son has spina bifida and has attended camp for the past two years (FREE OF CHARGE). It would have been very difficult for us to provide the kind of camping experience he received on our own. The staff, volunteers, and programs are fabulous. Our son talked for an entire year about camp (in fact, he constantly asked us, "how many more months until I can go back to camp?!")
I can't say enough good things about Variety! Love them!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I am the parent of a child who received services
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
nothing. they are incredible
August 18, 2011
Our son suffered a traumatic brain injury in May of '08 at the age of 5. My wife and I were in shock as his life hung in the balance for weeks. As his condition stabilized, it became clear that we were entering a whole new world with a son requiring medical equipment and services that we weren't yet mentally or financially equipped to provide.
Variety was the first place we turned and 3 years later we have never heard them say "No." Our son relies on tens of thousands of dollars of durable medical goods everyday that Variety have been so graciously and unconditionally donated by the good folks at Variety.
Our family can say without reservation that Variety has played a pivotal role in our son's ongoing recovery and their dedication to special needs kids in the St. Louis area is without parallel.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
They play a critical role in our son's recovery from TBI.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
none
August 18, 2011
I had the pleasure of working with the staff and participants of two summer camps that Variety - STL had at our facility this year. They are passionate, kind, friendly and a joy to work with. This organization has touched so many lives in such a positive manner.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the summer of 2011
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
have to give up because I really can't think of a single thing that I'd change!
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
July 13, 2011
When my nephew Daunte was born, we made a decision as a family that we would do everything we could to prevent him from being limited by Spina bifida. We knew he was going to have a long, hard road ahead of him, but we were committed to allowing Daunte to thrive just like all of his siblings. We had no idea how expensive therapies and equipment to allow him the most basic functions, such as mobility, would be. Variety Club has stepped up every time Daunte has needed equipment as he has grown. Daunte rides his bike to the park with his brothers and cousins, speeds through the house in his little quickie, and even goes shopping and runs errands with me in his full sized chair. By being able to get around with other kids, Daunte has the confidence to go anywhere and play with any child. That confidence and independence is something that was given to him by not just his family, but in large part due to Variety Club. We cannot thank this charity enough for allowing my nephew to be the outgoing, confident little man he now is.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
watching my nephew learn to use his wheel chair and helping to teach him how to ride a bike donated by Variety Club.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
give them unlimited funding so they could do as much good as possible for as many families as possible.
June 18, 2011
Variety childrens Charity has been the lifeline for my son Martin he has been a client for about 16 years now .Diane Grutzka and Jen Petterson and the entire staff are remarkable.This organization has enabled Martin and the rest of our family to engage with various outings, the annual parade and We have goen to places like the Science Center,The Airport
Mcdonald's boat at the Arch.If the Variety's Childrens Charity was not in place Marty would never have any recreational activities at all.They also provided Marty with his first therapuetic bike.Can you believe that! And just when I thought they had done everything for us they were very instrumental to our family recieving a van from United Access! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR FAMILIES WITH MEMBERS WHO HAVE SPEACIAL NEEDS AND DISABILITES GOD BLESS YOU!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
We have been allowed to attend theatre.My other children get a chance to interact with Martin as well as other Varitety Children families.Variety's Childrens Charity has impacted our lives so much words could never express what they have done for us and so many other families.They are truly a blessing.Diane and Jen and all staff WE Love You!!!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would make sure the media got in invovled more and that the word never stops about this wonderful organization.We only really here about them when the Variey week is up and coming.We need to let the entire community how vital Variety Children Charity really is.
April 15, 2011
Hi my name is Angel and my son was born almost 5 years ago, he is adopted. The doctors told us that he would not amount to anything and we should consider not adopting him, but we refused to listen. Early intervention was called in to assist us in whatever he needed, they got Variety Club involved with us and they have helped out tremendously. They supplied equipment that he needed for the past 4 years. Anytime we need something all we I have to do is call Diane at Variety and she takes care of us. We could not have made it without their assistance. I am so proud of Variety I have recommended them to several people I know with handicapped children and they are thrilled. They finally have that peace of mind knowing someone out there cares as much about their children as they do. Thanks JJ's Mom
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Receiving help with equipment needed for my son
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
None it is great
April 14, 2011
Nearly 3 years ago our son suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a car accident. Variety stepped in while we were still in the hospital to provide us with the equipment needed to take care of our son. They have continued to help provide equipment as he has gotten older. The items they provide are EXTREMELY expensive and our insurance covers none of it. We would be lost without Variety.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My son receives services from Variety.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would want everyone in the St. Louis area to make Variety their top charity for donations.
April 5, 2011
my son noah has spastic desplasa cerabal palsy,and other disabilites.without diane at variety i could not of gotten some of the equipment i needed. she helped me get an adapted bike,feeder chair.tjey are always there when i need someone.they really are caring.diane gresky is really friendly,she really dose care.once she meets you she remembers all the varitey kids name.im glad noah is one of there kids.thanks diane and varitey for being here
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
they helped me get equiptment that my insurance would not get me.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
only one minnor change.see a lot of these kids cant attend variety camps for the summer,like me they dont have away.i would set up transportation for those kids.because its not fare they have to be left out.
March 15, 2011
Our little Alex was born 2 months early, he spent the first 6 wks. of his life in the NICU, and he had severe heart and lung disease when he was born. On his 1st. Birthday, he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. He was later diagnosed with an immune deficiency, a monogenic form of diabetes, low tone cerebral palsy, and kidney disease.
After extensive and ongoing physical therapy, it was decided that Alex would benefit greatly from leg braces. Our medical insurance had other thoughts on this though. I shouldn't have been surprised, they have declined everything on Alex..including his cancer treatments. However, we were introduced to the Variety Club and because of them, a whole new world has been introduced to Alex. With his leg braces, he can be a kid. Before them, he couldn't hardly walk without falling over. We were in the ER every 2 wks. getting stitches from him falling and splitting his head open. This last December, Alex received a bike that was made specifically for him. To watch that little boy ride a bike brings tears of joy to my eyes every time. He is so proud of his new bike and the accomplishments that he has made.
Having a child with on going medical needs is very hard on a family physically, emotionally, and financially! If it wasn't for the Variety Club, Alex wouldn't have made near the accomplishments that he has made. Because of them, a whole new world has been opened up to him and he get's to be that little boy that he so badly wants and deserves to be.
Our family will always be extremely grateful for the Variety Club ;)
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My 5 yr. old son has been able to enjoy those simple little things in life that we all take for granted as a result of the Variety Club's generocity.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I cannot imagine what I would change!
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