Keeping the Mission in Motion Charity Angels Expands Commitment to Improve Individual Independence and Mobility Story by Carey Head / Ponca City Monthly Staff Writer Photos by Carey Head and Contributed by Charity Angels As a “new normal” settles upon us, many still wistfully long for the way things used to be. Understandably, this nostalgia may serve to effectively put on hold progress until a better version of “normal” becomes available (such as one brought about through a safe, effective, and globally available COVID-19 vaccine). Members of the Charity Angels chapter of AMBUCS aren’t waiting for another change. They are dealing with this one just fine. Ask chapter treasurer Donna Hingtgen about the group, and it is a pleasure to absorb her enthusiasm. The evolution of the lunch meetings at a local restaurant into lawn chairs in members’ yards is one way the female arm of Ponca City AMBUCS is keeping
the mission moving. “It’s important to think outside the box,” Donna explains. “Do things differently, but keep doing them.” She points to the group’s mission to improve independence and mobility for those with physical disabilities. Providing the customized bicycle or tricycle, known as an Amtryke, is a key mission for all AMBUC chapters. The therapy vehicles are made to exact specifications for the individual applying for the mobility assist. One Amtryke has been approved for a local client. Charity Angels has delivered three Amtrykes during the COVID-19 isolation period. While the needed paperwork and measurements are being finalized for
a fourth, Charity Angels learned that an Oklahoma City AMBUCS chapter has an Amtryke waiting list of 42. Ponca City’s group has elected to send the funds to purchase an Amtryke for the Oklahoma City area client and help out the chapter. “Other than not being able to do things together, we still are very busy,” Donna says. In addition to the delivery of three Amtrykes, the group has completed a handrail installation, and successfully funded and installed two new playground elements at AMBUC Park at Lake Ponca. Wendy Bond, Charity Angel Ambility Chairman, presented renditions the proposed equipment to the Ponca City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. A basket swing, which hangs from an arched support, is especially soothing to autistic children, according to Bond. The second piece is a wheelchair-accessible, ground level merry-go-round. The structure holds two wheelchairs and up to six other children. After winning approval for their equipment donation proposal, the group worked as a team with Eric Newell, Park and Rec Superintendent, to see the project to fruition. Other ongoing projects include sponsoring the two Special Education classes at Union Elementary School. “This is our fourth year to sponsor the classes,” Donna says. “So, if there is a need, then the teachers, Sheila (South) and Jessica (Wyckoff), call us.” Union Elementary School Principal Jennifer Dye agrees. “Already this school year, they
Charity Angel’s Brook Lindsay, fourth from left, hosted a socially distant cookout and bonfire at her rural home. Joining Brook on the first row are Karly Fagg and Donna Hingtgen. Standing from left: Rosanne Cockriel, Natalie Frazier, Sheila South, Tracey Ivy, Katrina Presnal, Misty Jordan, Melissa Frame, Ginny Durham, Helen Coleman, Suzanne Devinney, Darrla James and Wendy Bond. Brook gave each guest a pre-bagged hot dog meal as well as s’more fixins so each could cook her own while maintaining safe distancing. (Photo provided by Charity Angels)
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