Special needs students given opportunity to increase their strength, mobility, and confidence with Wilson Motor Company donation
A student demonstrates how to ride a pumper car from the Wilson Motor donation
Students in Cache County and Logan City School Districts’ Special Education programs received a generous donation of pumper cars from Wilson Motor Company on January 7th. Each of the 23 elementary schools in the valley was gifted with one of these unique cars for their students to enjoy.
Pumper cars were originally created as a child’s toy, but in 2018 were designated as a medical device by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The pumper car, which is designed for children to sit on and power with their arms and legs, has helped children with special needs to increase their strength, mobility, and confidence. The car develops its rider’s gross motor skills and does not have pinch points that could potentially harm them. Pumper cars are fun and functional and will be a tremendous asset to each school’s special education program.
CCSD Occupational Therapist Cathy Szumigala takes a pumper car for a spin
Chris Wilson, owner of Wilson Motor Company, shared that his interest in donating the pumper cars was inspired by memories of his own younger sister’s disabilities and the struggles she faced in school. He’s hopeful that this gift will make a difference for those in similar circumstances.
To prepare the donation, Wilson Motor employees volunteered their time after-hours to assemble the pumper cars. This was accomplished by setting up a long assembly line with multiple tables manned by several employees each. The 23 cars were turned over to representatives from Cache County and Logan City School Districts during a special presentation at Wilson Motor on January 7th. Also present were a handful of children who will benefit from the donation, and their families.
Wilson Motor employees generously donated time to assemble the pumper cars
CCSD’s Special Education Director Joel Allred expressed his appreciation for the support of Wilson Motors and other contributors for their charitable donation of the pumper cars. He said the cars will “be a benefit to our students with disabilities and enable them to enjoy additional activities that they may not get exposure to in the regular school day.”
Wilson Motor’s goal is to, with the help of the community, eventually have four pumper cars donated to each school. Each pumper car costs $350. Business or individuals who are interested in contributing should contact Chris Wilson or Chad Ricks at Wilson Motor Company.
(L-R) CCSD Occupational Therapist Andrea Chamberlain, Executive Director of Elementary
Education Gary Thomas, Occupational Therapist Cathy Szumigala, Wilson Motor Company
Owner Chris Wilson, board member Teri Rhodes, CCSD Life Skills Coordinator John
Cardis, Special Education Director Joel Allred