When life gives you lemons, you can do much more than make lemonade, says Zack Francom. The 11-year-old Utah boy has turned several hundred quarts of the drink into Zack’s Shack, a philanthropy that has changed the lives of more than 300 people in need of wheelchairs in developing countries. Zack got the idea for a lemonade stand in the spring of 2010 when his school held a fundraiser to purchase a wheelchair for LDS Philanthropies, a Mormon church charity. “I decided that I wanted to raise enough to buy one all by myself,” says Zack. “I thought, ‘What if I couldn’t walk or run or ride my bike? What would that be like?’ ” he says. “I wanted to help make life easier for somebody who couldn’t walk or run and didn’t have money for a wheelchair to help them get around.” Since then – selling lemonade at 50 cents a cup and two cookies for $1 – his Zack’s Shack has become an annual event in his hometown of Provo, Utah. Hundreds of people line up in front of his house every April during spring break to help fund his charity.
“When people visit Zack’s lemonade stand they see a great example of a little boy with a big heart,” says Tanise Chung-Hoon, managing director for LDS Philanthropies. “When you see the genuine fun he has in the work, you immediately realize that he feels just as happy and lucky as the wheelchair recipients,” she says. “Zack is the perfect example of how philanthropy changes the giver as well as the receiver.” This past April, Zack sold 350 dozen cookies baked by his mom, Nancy Bird, and 80 quarts of lemonade, earning $5,300 – enough to buy another 37 wheelchairs (basic models now cost $143), which are shipped to Guatemala, Guam and 53 other countries, where a wheelchair can often cost more than a year’s wages. “There was one lady in Guatemala who crawled for 10 miles with her baby on her back to pick up her wheelchair,” says Bird, 32, who spends several weeks helping her son bake cookies for the sale every year. “What a dramatic change it has made in her life,” she says.
“Stories like this are what keep Zack going.” He also has bigger dreams. He says he’d love to see other kids start similar efforts in other states. “Imagine if there were hundreds of Zack’s Shacks,” he says. “Nobody who needs a wheelchair should have to go without one just because they can’t afford it.” And he’d love to take a more active role himself. “My goal is to fly around the world someday and hand out the wheelchairs,” he says. • Minnesota Woman Gives Moms in Crisis Supplies for Their Newborns • Montana Man Sends Teens Who Pledge Sobriety to CollegeFor more inspiring stories, read the latest issue of PEOPLE magazineClick here for a model comparison Do you need any accessories for your WHILL? For even faster responses: Our customer service representatives are happy to answer any questions you may have. Check out our FAQs WHILL is so new and unique, here are answers to some common questions.
The StoryHello,I am Zolty Bogata, a Romanian blogger with locomotor disabilities. I am starting this fundraiser to help other people with locomotor disabilities who cannot afford to buy electric wheelchairs.All the money raised in this humanitarian campaign are used to buy used electric wheelchairs for those in need.Also, this campaign is supported by many Romanian bloggers, and you can read about it on this article: http://zoltybogata.ro/imi-poti-ceda-un-loc-de-bener-pe-blogul-tauAny amount of money can make the life easier for those less fortunate. Fundraiser Updates About the OrganizerYour Full Name *Email Address *Phone Number *We require this in case we need to contact you for further details.*Your Relation To This Fundraiser *Subject *Choose OneSuspicious activityThis fundraiser is offensive, vulgar, or divisiveMoney not being used as the fundraiser statesThis is a duplicate fundraiserThis fundraiser contains copyright informationViolates Terms of ServiceOtherPlease tell us why you feel this fundraiser should be reviewed *Supporters Grab Our WidgetFirst
, select a widget size:Small (190 x 326)Medium (260 x 398)Large (335 x 454)Then, copy the embed code shown below then paste it on your site!Preview:Five Steps to a New Mobility Vehicle Purchasing a handicap accessible vehicle is a big decision that involves a significant financial commitment. For that reason, you want to make sure you’re working with mobility dealers capable of providing you with the information and adaptive solutions you need at an accessible price. The following will give you a quick step-by-step overview of how to purchase a handicap van conversion or wheelchair accessible vehicle, and how to make modifications for your current vehicle. Locate a Mobility Equipment DealerA local NMEDA mobility equipment dealer should be your first stop in the buying process. They’re ready to assist and evaluate your personal needs based on your specific situation, including how your needs may change over time.
They can also help you determine what types of equipment will work in the various vehicle types and models. See a mobility dealer before you buy a vehicle to ensure the mobility equipment you need will work in the vehicle you want. Unlike an automotive dealer, their emphasis is on mobility equipment and providing the perfect solution to each of their clients. They will also be able to provide valuable information about any funding assistance that may be available to you. See your mobility dealer first! Consult a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS)If you’d like to drive a wheelchair conversion van, truck or car, you may need to see a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist for evaluation. Your consultation will result in a prescription that lists the precise equipment you will need and may result in driving lessons with the new equipment.Make Your Final Selection and PurchaseFollowing the initial consultation, it’s time to decide if you want to purchase a new or a used vehicle.
While used wheelchair vans, SUVS, truck and cars are a great option for some, if you require more a more comprehensive or specific conversion, you might require a custom-built mobility vehicle. Consult with your NMEDA mobility equipment dealer near you to fully determine which option is best for you. Training on Your New Mobility EquipmentAfter your mobility equipment purchase, you’ll need to learn how to use it. If the equipment is used for driving, it may require several training sessions with your CDRS. It’s important to get very familiar with the equipment within your vehicle to ensure you’re staying safe while on the roads.Mobility ReimbursementsWhen available, submit your Mobility Assistance Reimbursement Application to the appropriate vehicle manufacturer. The step-by-step process may differ from company to company, so it’s best to visit the website for your particular vehicle manufacturer and download the correct forms. Financing Your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
Purchasing a wheelchair accessible vehicle can be expensive. Finding funding for these purchases can be a challenge, if you don’t know where to look. Fortunately, NMEDA dealers are specially trained to guide you to programs that may apply to you. Government Funding For Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Veterans Affairs Agencies, Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies and various related agencies can provide valuable information, services, and assistance to people with special needs. Get a Rebate on Your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Purchase Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offer rebate assistance to customers when they purchase handicap accessibility products. Each NMEDA member manufacturer has their own program. Things to Know Before Purchasing Mobility Equipment Online There are differences between purchasing a new handicap vehicle online compared to in-person. NMEDA advises you to purchase adaptive equipment face-to-face from a reputable establishment near you to guarantee a good product fit, service and safety.