Variety - the Children's Charity of the Desert

Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Desert was established in 1987 to bring the profound purpose of Variety International (with 40 offices in 14 countries) to Riverside County: To continue meeting the multiple unmet needs of children who are sick, disadvantaged, or live with disabilities, making a life-long positive impact on children throughout the Coachella Valley.

Our mission is to promote and protect the health and well-being of children who are underprivileged and/or have special needs in the Coachella Valley. We provide essential community services exclusively to low-income children who would otherwise not have access to services and support that help them obtain vital medical assistance, afterschool enrichment, and recreational activities.

Freedom Program delivers vital life-changing equipment and services for mobility, independence, and social inclusion for children. Adaptive bicycles, specialized strollers, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids are provided to children with special needs. Bicycles are distributed to at-risk, underprivileged students in area school districts. Vans transport children to after school programs, medical appointments, and treatments.

Future Program delivers crucial life-enriching services, education, and self-esteem to children. Socially inclusive experiences for children with special needs such as sensory friendly activities, holiday celebrations, art and music classes, and more.

Care Program delivers critical life-saving medical equipment and services, healthcare, and well-being to children. Caring Connections, helps families to support their child’s growth and health through developmental screenings from birth to age 5.

Established in 1987, Variety - the Children’s Charity of the Desert is dedicated to promoting the health, mobility, independence, and social inclusion of children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or living with special needs throughout the Coachella Valley.

The organization is led by dedicated business leaders and professionals who actively serve as a Board of Directors. Each Board Member is an ambassador to the community, sharing about Variety and encouraging community involvement in order to increase Variety's impact.

For 35 years, we have touched the lives of over 100,000 local children through the provision of vital medical assistance, literacy programs, and recreational activities.

Each year, we serve approximately 4,800 deserving children and their families through our activities, including through transportation by organizations participating in our Sunshine Coach Program, children receiving adaptive mobility bikes and strollers, fourth-graders accepting bicycles and helmets, and children with special needs participating in socially inclusive events and experiences.

Variety serves children up to age 18 who are disadvantaged or have a diagnosed or demonstrated physical disability, including, but not limited to, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, and Down syndrome. So, while the children we support and the ways we help are many, our goal remains the same — help these children to do what they should be free to do best — be children. We serve children via special programs that seek long-term impact.

Each of our programs - Freedom, Future, and Care - are expanding to meet the current and changing needs of the Coachella Valley children and families.