Easterseals Rehabilitation is a familiar organization to most of us, even if we can’t quite put our finger on what it does. But for the organization’s clients and their families, the answer is simple — right there on the website. Easterseals is “committed to changing lives.”

Here in the Mid-Ohio Valley, that happens year round in schools and through the Birth to 3 program; but summer is special.

Or, rather, Summer Games ’25 at Civitan Park was special. For two days a week, from the beginning of June through mid-July, children who had received occupational or physical therapy during the school year were able to participate alongside their families in fun, interactive skill-building activities.

“Participants had an opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of summer play activities that encouraged being outdoors and off technology devices. We offered structured games, such as board games and sports,” said occupational therapist Mary Lee Kelly. “Much of the focus, however, was on ‘creating’ play using whatever materials were available, such as building with yogurt cups, designing obstacle courses and playing movement/memory games using pool noodles.”

That’s priceless for these kids (and their siblings) who are growing up in a world where technology often takes the lead in such matters.

Speaking about her 6-year-old son Bryce, Casey Morehead of Parkersburg said “They made therapy fun for him while working on his fine and gross motor skills. We appreciate all they do each summer for children with disabilities.”

Indeed the whole community appreciates what Easterseals does (and supporters such as the Donald Morris Charitable Trust that help them do it).

It is a comfort to know Easterseals is dedicated to its mission — which includes the knowledge that “no one has ever been denied care because of an inability to pay.” Thank you, folks, for making that happen. Not just this summer, but always.