Helping ALL children Be active, Be social, and Belong

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Our Mission

The mission of Variety of Illinois is to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities by providing the equipment insurance doesn’t pay for and the experiences needed to reach their highest potential.

This is accomplished through programs such as Adapt My World, providing communication and assistive devices; Variety at Play, offering inclusive, accessible activities for the whole family; Kids on the Go that provides mobility equipment such as adaptive bicycles, sports wheelchairs and customized strollers and Live to Achieve that encourages participation & excellence in adaptive sports.

Through a network of 42 chapters in 13 countries, Variety the Children’s Charity envisions a state where all children can actively participate in their communities and experience the joys that come with being a kid!

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Founding Story

Since 1943, we’ve helped children in the Illinois area by providing mobility and communication devices as well as opportunities for inclusion within our community. We believe all kids should Be Active, Be Social, and Belong!
Our History

Variety of Illinois’ 75th Birthday

Variety the Children’s Charity of Illinois celebrated 75 years of helping local kids with disabilities in 2018! The festivities took place at The Barn at Cottonwood and was presided over by Variety’s beloved mascot “Heartly”!

Variety kids celebrated with singing, dancing, adding to our Variety Wish Tree, and birthday cake! Variety Moms and Dads won great prizes courtesy of Siegel’s Cottonwood Farms & Regal Cinemas.

Variety At A Glance

Our legacy began in 1927 when a baby girl was left on the steps of a theatre with a note from her mother to please take care of her having always heard of the kindness of people in show business. By 1943 the eleven “Godfathers of Variety” who looked after her had spread their mission of helping children across the country and our Illinois chapter was chartered.

Now with a national focus on children with disabilities, Variety helps children all across the globe through 42 chapters. Learn more about US Variety at www.usvariety.org and Variety International at www.variety.org

Variety at a Glance

Meet the Board

Variety is a volunteer-driven organization committed to bettering the quality of life for special needs children…. and it all begins with people just like you. At the heart of Variety’s achievements are the remarkable contributions of people in the community, and it is only through your time and effort that Variety is able to do so much for children and families right here at home.
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Proud Community Supporters

We can’t do what we do without our supporters! We have a variety of support tiers including Corporate, Nonprofit, and Variety@Play Supporters.
Click the button below to view the full listing of our valued supporters!

Our Supporters