Events

Thank You PCA&D Students for Designing Our New Branded House of Logos

We are honored to have been chosen by the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCA&D) to participate in their 16th annual Designathon. This event brought together the incredible talents of PCA&D students and faculty, who generously dedicated their time and expertise to create a professional-quality branded house of logos that we can use for the various programs offered here at the Schreiber Center.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the PCA&D students Renee and Logan, along with their alumni advisor Maddie, for their outstanding contributions. We were blown away by their creativity and grateful for the hard work and commitment they dedicated to this project.

Renee, Logan, and Maddie spent the entire day on Saturday crafting eight different logos for our various therapy services, educational programs, and recreational activities. Their designs capture the essence of Schreiber’s mission with vibrancy and clarity, ensuring that our message reaches those who need it most. Each logo reflects the diverse facets of our organization with vibrancy and fun.

Don’t take our word for it though. Check out the creations born out of their collaboration:

Eight new logos created for various programs and services at Schreiber, provided by PCA&D students.

Thank you again to PCA&D for selecting the Schreiber Center to participate in this year’s Designathon, and to Renee, Logan, and Maddie for putting together these stunning designs for us. We believe that they will bring a necessary sense of visual cohesion to our programs and services offered. We are truly honored to have been chosen, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the years to come.


Learn more about the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design including special events like Designathon here: https://pcad.edu/pcad-news/


As a nationally recognized pediatric facility, the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development provides family-centered education and therapy programs for infants, children and adolescents with disabilities, developmental delays, and acquired injuries. Our goal-oriented approach maximizes each child’s ability to function independently within the community.


Thank You to our 2023 Ambassadors!

As we reflect on 2023, we are filled with gratitude for the amazing kids and families who have allowed us to spotlight their journeys through our therapy services, the true champions of our mission – our 2023 Schreiber Ambassadors!

Left to Right: Lucas, Katelyn, Kalvin, Malcolm, Graeme, and Harper

It is through your tireless efforts that you’ve helped spread awareness about the vital work we do at Schreiber. Your advocacy has not only shone a spotlight on the challenges faced by those we serve but has also illuminated the pathways to hope and healing that our organization provides.

Your participation in our fundraising initiatives has been nothing short of extraordinary. By leveraging your networks and utilizing your influential voices, you’ve helped reach and exceed our goals all year so that we can continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of all #SchreiberKids. Your commitment to the betterment of our community is not only commendable, but also deeply appreciated.

As we express our gratitude, we also want to acknowledge the impact you’ve had on fostering a sense of community and belonging within the Schreiber family. Your enthusiasm has resonated with others, creating a ripple effect that strengthens the bonds of support and solidarity among those who share a connection to our organization.

In recognition of your exceptional contributions, we want to express our deepest appreciation. Your willingness to be ambassadors for Schreiber has not only elevated our mission but has also touched the hearts of those who have had the privilege of hearing your stories.

Thank you, 2023 Schreiber Ambassadors, for everything you’ve done to support our mission this year!


Support the therapy and education of our current and future Schreiber kids by donating to our Kids’ Care Fund today!


As a nationally recognized pediatric facility, the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development provides family-centered education and therapy programs for infants, children and adolescents with disabilities, developmental delays, and acquired injuries. Our goal-oriented approach maximizes each child’s ability to function independently within the community.


ExtraGive Funds Pediatric Therapy at Schreiber

Every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. At the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, we are committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their abilities or financial circumstances, has access to the quality care they need.

The ExtraGive event (https://www.extragive.org/) is a remarkable opportunity for us to come together as a community and make a significant impact on the lives of children who rely on our pediatric therapy programs. Your generous donations during the ExtraGive event will directly benefit our occupational, physical, speech, and mental and behavioral health therapy programs, as well as our “Kids’ Care Fund” designed to cover uncompensated care expenses.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy: Feeding Program

Pediatric occupational therapy is a crucial component of the services we provide at Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development. Many children face challenges related to feeding and nutrition, and our goal is to support them in developing the necessary skills for a healthy diet. Your donations will help us establish a new feeding program that will provide personalized support to children with various feeding difficulties.

Feeding issues can be a source of tremendous stress for families, and your contributions will make it possible for us to offer specialized therapy, equipment, and resources to help these children develop the skills they need to thrive.

Pediatric Physical Therapy: Medical Mobility Equipment

Children with mobility impairments often require specialized equipment to enhance their mobility and independence. The funds donated during the ExtraGive event will be instrumental in acquiring essential medical mobility equipment for our pediatric physical therapy program.

These devices can be life-changing for children, enabling them to participate in everyday activities and improving their overall quality of life. Your support will help us ensure that no child in central PA is left without the necessary equipment to navigate the world around them.

Pediatric Speech Therapy: Communication Devices

Communication is a fundamental aspect of a child’s development, and for some children, it can be particularly challenging. Our pediatric speech therapy program is dedicated to helping children develop their communication skills, and your donations will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.

We aim to provide augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, speech-generating devices (SGDs), and other assistive communication tools to children who need them. These devices empower children to express themselves, connect with others, and engage with the world in meaningful ways.

Mental and Behavioral Health Therapy: After-School Social Programs

At Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, we recognize the importance of mental and behavioral health in a child’s overall well-being. Your donations will support our after-school social programs, including the popular “After-School Lego Club,” designed specifically for children with autism.

These programs offer a safe and supportive environment where children can develop social skills, build friendships, and gain confidence. Your contributions will enable us to expand these programs, reaching even more children who can benefit from them.

The “Kids’ Care Fund”: Ensuring Access to Care for All

In addition to directly supporting our therapy programs, your generous donations during the ExtraGive event will be added to our “Kids’ Care Fund.” This fund serves as a safety net, ensuring that all disabled children receive the care they need, regardless of their families’ financial circumstances.

The “Kids’ Care Fund” is a savings account that bridges the gap between what private insurance and Medicaid supplements cover and the actual cost of care. At Schreiber Pediatric, we have always made the promise that no child will be turned away, and your contributions help us fulfill this commitment.

Your support during the ExtraGive event will have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of the children we serve through our pediatric therapy programs at Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development. Whether it’s helping a child improve their feeding skills, providing essential mobility equipment, enabling communication, or fostering social connections, your generosity makes it all possible.

Furthermore, your donations will contribute to the “Kids’ Care Fund,” ensuring that no child is denied the care they deserve due to financial constraints. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Schreiber kids and their families, offering hope, support, and a brighter future. Join us in transforming lives and creating a more inclusive and compassionate community for all children in central PA. Donate during the ExtraGive event and be a part of something truly extraordinary.


20 Tips for a Sensory Processing Disorder Friendly Halloween

Halloween, with its costumes, candies, and eerie decorations, is a thrilling time for many children. However, for those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), this holiday can present unique challenges. SPD can make the sensory overload of Halloween overwhelming. But fear not! In this blog post, we’ll share some invaluable sensory Halloween tips and ideas to ensure your child has a comfortable and enjoyable Halloween experience.

1. Prepare Your Child:

Start by preparing your child for Halloween. Explain the concept of the holiday and what to expect. Videos can be a great tool to help them visualize what Halloween is all about.

2. Visual Calendar:

Create a visual calendar to help your child countdown to Halloween. Seeing the days pass can provide a sense of predictability and reduce anxiety.

3. Pumpkin Alternatives:

Many children with SPD don’t enjoy carving pumpkins. Encourage them to paint or draw on them instead.

4. Comfortable Costumes:

Choose costumes that are comfortable and not overly frightening. Let your child have a say in picking their costume to ensure it aligns with their sensory preferences.

5. Less Is Best:

Remember, when it comes to costumes, less is often best. Avoid bulky or restrictive outfits that can cause discomfort.

6. Familiar Clothing:

Consider creating costumes from familiar clothing items. This can help your child feel more at ease in their costume.

7. Gradual Costume Familiarization:

Practice wearing the costume for short intervals, starting with just a few minutes and gradually working up to longer periods.

8. Show Costume Varieties:

Show your child pictures of different costumes they may encounter while trick-or-treating. Familiarity can ease anxiety.

9. Avoid Masks:

Most children with SPD don’t like masks. Opt for face paint or makeup instead, which can be less restrictive. Costumes that don’t need a mask, face paint, or makeup may be the best option for some children.

10. Walk the Route:

Before Halloween night, walk the trick-or-treat route a few times with your child to make it familiar and less intimidating.

11. The Joy of Giving:

Remind your child that Halloween isn’t just about receiving treats. Encourage them to be the one who hands out candies to neighbors, which can be a rewarding experience.

12. Early Trick-or-Treating:

Consider going trick-or-treating earlier in the evening, before it gets dark and potentially spookier.

13. Bring a Friend:

Having a friend along can provide extra support and companionship for your child.

14. Respect Their Limits:

If your child becomes tired or no longer wants to participate, don’t push them to continue. Respect their limits and end the evening.

15. Avoid Crowds:

Try to avoid crowded areas and houses while trick-or-treating to reduce sensory overload.

16. Sensory Gear:

Bring noise reduction headphones and sunglasses if your child is sensitive to loud noises or bright lights.

17. Maintain Routine:

Stick to your child’s regular bedtime routine to provide a sense of stability on Halloween night.

18. Sensory Diet:

Complete a sensory diet before and after trick-or-treating, incorporating activities like brushing, joint compressions, heavy work, swinging, or trampolining.

19. Fine Motor Skills:

Have your child attempt to open candy wrappers themselves, which can help improve fine motor skills.

20. It’s Okay Not to Go Out:

Lastly, remember that if your child doesn’t want to go out for Halloween, that’s perfectly okay. Their comfort and well-being should always come first.

Halloween can be a magical time for children, and with these sensory Halloween tips and ideas, you can help your child with SPD enjoy the festivities while minimizing stress and sensory challenges. By being understanding, patient, and supportive, you can create a Halloween experience tailored to your child’s unique needs and preferences.


If you child has been diagnosed with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy and you are interested in learning more about how Schreiber’s Pediatric Therapies can help your child visit: http://www.schreiberpediatric.org/therapy-services/


As a nationally recognized pediatric facility, the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development provides family-centered education and therapy programs for infants, children and adolescents with disabilities, developmental delays, and acquired injuries. Our goal-oriented approach maximizes each child’s ability to function independently within the community.

35th Annual Rubber Duckie Race & Festival Highlights

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate our 35th Annual Rubber Duckie Race & Festival on September 10, 2023. It is because of the generosity of our sponsors, duckie adopters, and donors that this event raised more than $130,000!!

We are overwhelmed by the support our community shows us every year through monetary gifts and volunteering. You may not know this but, for every hour of therapy that a child receives at Schreiber we lose about $74. You see, we are one of the only pediatric therapy centers in Central Pennsylvania that takes Medicaid as a form of payment. We do that so that every child, regardless of their family’s ability to pay, has the opportunity to receive the care and services that they require to live their lives to the fullest.

What you might not know is that Medicaid provides the lowest reimbursement amount of any insurances. With 95% of our kiddos on Medicaid (regardless of their family’s financial status) that means that we run at a deficit of about $2 Million per year that we must make up for with fundraising and grants.

Not only did this year’s event raise a record amount of funds for our center, but we also had over 150 people volunteer their time and talents to help us run the festival. Local companies like Citadel Credit Union, Member’s First Federal Credit Union, Murray Insurance, and Re-Bath of Lancaster had company employees volunteer their time running different games and arts & craft stations throughout the festival. We also had students from Hempfield, Manheim Township, and Warwick School Districts sign up to volunteer with us, as well as many incredible community individuals who helped with set up, tear down, duckie & ticket sales, games, and everything in between. To everyone who volunteered with us at this event we thank you!

Speaking of setting up and tearing down, our vendors deserve a huge thank you too, especially Shumaker PDT who came to our center to pick up all the materials we needed to run this event and not only delivered it to the park for us on Sunday, but also handled set up and tear down of the larger aspects of the event with the help of Utility Vehicles provided by Messick’s. Of course, we can’t forget about Good’s Disposal generously providing the dumpsters for post event clean up and disposal!

We cannot thank the Lancaster County Department of Parks & Recreation and Lancaster Bureaus of Fire & Police enough for donating their time to the 35th Annual Rubber Duckie Race & Festival. Their presence at the event was instrumental in making sure that the event was safe for everyone!

A special thank you to all our food truck vendors who came out in record numbers to serve our guests some delicious savory and sweet treats! Food truck alley was the talk of the event and the consensus among event goers was that they loved the variety and having so many different options to choose from. When it comes to kids, you know options are always important! Thank you to Au-Sam’s Trolly Stop, Brickers, Cupcakes by Casey, Farm Show Milkshakes, Italian Job Food Truck, Kona Ice, Nacho Depot, On the Grind Coffee, Philadelphia Hoagie Co. On the Roll, Scoops Ice Cream & Grill, Stoney’s Burgers and Fries, and Tri-County Barbecue Catering!

Of course, our sponsors also deserve our thanks and gratitude not only for their monetary donations towards this event but also for helping to get the word out so that more families could come and enjoy the fun and festivities with us! 2023 Ambassador Harper become quite the TV star appearing in a commercial underwritten by presenting sponsor Lancaster Toyota. As a result of our 20 year partnership with Re-Bath of Lancaster Harper was also highlighted on Good Day PA both to promote our event to local families and friends of Schreiber.

We hope that all the Schreiber families and community members who came out to the event had a blast playing games, dancing to music provided by DJ Matt Haines, making arts & crafts, meeting Miss Pennsylvania Miranda Moore, getting their very own balloon animal from The Balunguy, and learning a little more about what we do here at Schreiber. We love meeting new people and telling them all about our mission and our goals, but what we love even more is showing our community just how amazing our Schreiber clients really are. We think that the Duckie Race & Festival is a great way to bring everyone together in a fun way to do just that!

If you stayed for our rubber duckie race this year you already know that the dropping of the duckies was almost rained out, but we decided to brave the weather for our most anticipated moment of the day. We were very lucky that the rain held off as long as it did so that we didn’t have to worry about the water levels in the river risking the safety of our duckie catching volunteers, and that the lightning stayed away.

Walker Sales & Distribution once again provided us with the perfect duck box, and JC Snavely & Sons came in clutch with the crane, so that our 2023 Ambassadors Harper and Katelyn could pull the rope and release the rubber duckies into the Conestoga River from the Strawberry Street bridge to start their race. Our friends over at the Conestoga River Club, Chris Fletcher, and Isaac’s Restaurant were fantastic at catching all the finish line duckies and making sure that any escaped duckies were quickly found and caught.

Overall, we think that this year’s Rubber Duckie Race & Festival was a whirlwind of family fun and excitement with a whole lot of delicious foods thrown in for good measure, and we hope that everyone who came out and participated in the event in any capacity feels the same.

Thank you again to everyone for helping make this year’s event one to remember. If you share any pictures or memories from the event please tag us so that we can enjoy them too. If you would like to share any pictures or memories with us directly please feel free to email our marketing manager, Alexandra Cahill, at acahill@schreiberpediatric.org. We can’t wait to see you all again next year!


As a nationally recognized pediatric facility, the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development provides family-centered education and therapy programs for infants, children and adolescents with disabilities, developmental delays, and acquired injuries. Our goal-oriented approach maximizes each child’s ability to function independently within the community.


Harold Gainer and Bob Race: A memorable team at Schreiber Softball

Bob Abram, standing, holds his daughter Harper and poses with Harold Gainer, left, and Bob Race during Softball Weekend in 2018. Bob Abram is the current co-chair of the Schreiber’s Softball Committee. He took over for Bob Race and Harold, who ran the event for more than 30 years and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Schreiber.

Harold Gainer and Bob Race were a couple of retired cops with a soft spot for kids.

And, boy, did that soft spot make a difference in the lives of Schreiber kids.

Harold and Bob were two of the most dedicated volunteers for Schreiber’s Softball Weekend. The event returns June 4-6 for its 39th year, and it will be first since the two old friends passed away in September of 2020.

In their honor, the tournament portion of Softball Weekend has been renamed the Gainer-Race Memorial Tournament.

Denise Race, Bob’s widow, said he would be humbled.

“He’d say, ‘I don’t deserve this,” Denise said. “But I think he does. He did such a wonderful job for so many years. He and Harold both.”

Their work on Softball Weekend goes back a long way, to 1982. Harold started first. He was a young officer with the East Hempfield Police Department and the Financial Secretary with the Red Rose Lodge #16, Fraternal Order of Police.

“The lodge wanted to get involved in the community, and we chose Easter Seals (as Schreiber was formerly known) because it was the adopted charity of the (national) FOP,” Harold recalled in a 2015 interview. “We got together and kicked around ideas such as the festivals and dunk tanks and came up with the softball marathon idea. That first year we hoped to raise $5,000, but we ended up raising $17,500 — and we didn’t know what we were doing!”

Bob came on board a few years later. Both of them stayed all in until 2019, when health issues started taking their toll.

Thanks to their leadership and the continued involvement of the FOP, the event has raised around $2 million for Schreiber. It is the longest-running fundraising event that Schreiber does.

“Chiefy loved children,” Denise Race said, calling her late husband by her nickname for him. He was a retired chief from Pequea Township Police Department. “He would do anything for any child.”

That’s something the two men had in common.

“He loved reaching out to kids,” said Harold’s widow, Bobbie Gainer. “I think if I had to list his top three qualities, I’d say: caring, compassion and commitment. Harold had all three of those qualities wrapped up in a special place in his heart for Schreiber.”

Both men would look forward to softball, always the first weekend of June. They would be all in for the whole weekend, sleeping in cars and staying at the Stauffer Park and later Lancaster County Park or Froelich Park for 48 hours straight.

“He loved being part of it,” Bobbie said. “He loved the teams, being with the people. He loved seeing the kids there, too. He was proud of the FOP and the job they were doing.”

Bobbie and Denise and their families will be present at Froelich Park this year to help mark the start of another Softball Weekend and to remember the two men who played such an important part of it for so long.

“I can just imagine seeing Harold and Chiefy up in heaven having one heck of a good time,” Denise said.

Schreiber volunteer all about the Duckies

Melissa Warner sells hundreds of ducks a year as a volunteer for Schreiber’s Rubber Duckie Race.

Melissa’s connection to Schreiber goes back to the beginning of the Lititz Chocolate Walk.

Chocolate Walk started in 2001 as a project of the Kiwanis Club of the Lititz Area. Melissa was a member then (and still is today). One of the Lititz club’s founders was Ralph Sherrif, who also happened to be a Schreiber board member.

“When we did the first one, we were talking about where the money we raised was going to go,” Melissa said. “It was because of Ralph that we decided Schreiber would be one of the places we supported.”

Her connection to Schreiber grew through her work as a math teacher at Manheim Township High School. She was also a Key Club advisor, making students aware of community service opportunities.

“I would always mention Schreiber,” she said. “I’d tell them: ‘They are helping kids that really need help.'”

She retired from teaching in 2009, and initially she spent many days caring for her ailing father. After he passed in 2013, she had more time for volunteering. Her thoughts turned to Schreiber.

“I came in to drop something off for Chocolate Walk, and I took a little tour,” said. “I saw one of those classrooms… I knew I wanted to be more involved.”

That same year, she signed up to sell tickets for the Rubber Duckie Race. Dozens of people sell tickets for us every year. These Duck Patrol sales people are a critical part of our selling. Melissa takes it to another level.

She will sell Duckies to friends and neighbors. She will sell them at Kiwanis meetings and some of the other volunteer groups she’s involved with. She takes them to church. Last year, her minister was reluctant to buy one. Melissa wouldn’t take no for an answer. He ended up with the Noah Duck — as in Noah’s Ark — that was part of our Animal Kingdom theme.

She has the no-nonsense air of a teacher, but she’s all heart when it comes to Schreiber. She signs out hundreds of ducks each year to sell, and she rarely brings any back unsold.

“I love talking to people about what you do here,” she says. “Who can say no to spending $5 to help kids? And the ducks are just a fun way to do it.”

Want to join the fun?

Selling Duckies for Schreiber is fun — and easy. Just download one of the Sales Patrol applications, fill it out and bring it in, and you can sign out some Duckies to sell. Take 10 or take 100; any number helps and is appreciated. And you will be making a difference for all the children of Schreiber.

Thanks to two longtime Schreiber volunteers

Around Schreiber, we have a shorthand for talking about Tina Edgell and Patty Watson.

Tina and Patty. Or sometimes Patty and Tina. It may as well be PattyTina.

For most of the past 20 years, Tina and Patty have been reliable Schreiber volunteers. It’s not a stretch to say they are among the most dedicated of all of our amazing volunteers, and that’s saying something.

We wanted to take the time this week, during National Volunteer Week, to tell the Schreiber community about their support of Schreiber.

So it turns out their involvement started with the old Schreiber Buck-A-Cup campaign. (By the way, we’re bringing that back this year, right now, and you can learn more about how to participate here.

Tina was the first sister to connect with Schreiber. She and her family owned then (and still do now) the Histsoric Revere Tavern restaurant.

“I was president of the Lancas County chapter of the Pennsylvannia Restaurant Association,” Tina said. “We used to be really involved in the Buck-A-Cup campaign. I chaired that event for a few years. I would help get all the Lancaster restaurants involved and put the materials together and everything. And we did BINGO (fundraisers) here for many years.

Patty Watson, second from left, and Tina Edgell, second from right, spent a recent Saturday night volunteering at the Schreiber Gala. They are with Marybeth Tearpock, another Schreiber volunteer, and Susan Fisher, Schreiber’s volunteer coordinator.

“There was a man named Wilmer Lapp. He was the one with the restaurant association who told me how important Schreiber was and what we had to do. He was the one who instillied my passion for Schreiber.”

After leading Buck-A-Cup in the 1980s, she started volunteering at the Gala and then at Duckie. In 1998, after Patty and her husband moved back to Lancaster, Tina recruited her sister into the Schreiber family.

“At that time, Tina was volunteering for the Duckie Race,” Patty said. “She said, ‘You want to come with us?'” And that’s where it all began for me.”

At Gala, they have registered guests together for at least the past 10 years. At Duckie, you can find them running the information tent on the day of the race, overseeing ticket and merchandise sales, working with Schreiber staff and just making sure things run smoothly.

“The Duckie Race is my all-time favorite,” Tina said. “Because we see so many of the (Schreiber) kids coming in that day. It truly is a kid event.”

That’s what keeps Patty coming back, too.

“The kids,” she said. “They’re so awesome. You see the smile on their faces. And you see kids come back year after year. Like Carly Long. To see her grow up through the years, and to see how much she benefitted from Schreiber’s services, is just amazing.”

The Schreiber spirit soon seeped into the next generation. Children in both of their families became volunteers. And Patty’s daughter Erica switched her college major from accounting to speech therapy because of Erica’s time volunteering and working as a counselor at Camp Schreiber.

Schreiber can get in your blood. It’s not something either one of the sisters want to give up anytime soon.

It’s so rewarding,” Patty said. “I’m going to keep doing it until I’m in a walker and can’t make it anymore.”

“You’re stuck with us,” Tina said.

Around Schreiber, we wouldn’t want it any other way.

Changes bring start of new era

Some of you probably already know that what we call Schreiber today has been around since 1936. In those 82 years, we have gone by several different names: The Society for Crippled Children and Adults, the National Easter Seals Society and, starting in 1994, Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center of Lancaster County.

Now, we are excited to tell you about our new name and introduce our new logo.

The new logo for the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development. Logo design by Trump Tschudy Design, Lancaster.

In the nearly 25 years since we adopted our most recent name, Schreiber has experienced many changes and a lot of growth. We see more children than ever. We see kids with a wider array of diagnoses. We did a major expansion in 2006, and we have added new services, including aquatic therapy, thanks to our new pool, and the Circle of Friends Academy daycare center, which now accepts children as young as 6 weeks.

The staff and the board leadership of the center began to think that our name didn’t reflect the breadth of services we provide. While we still see many kids that you might expect to see at Schreiber, kids born with cerebral palsy or spina bifida, we also see lots of other kids whose challenges aren’t nearly as complex. They might have a minor speech delay or need a little help with their fine motor skills.

We also have a fair number of typically developing kids. They attend our S.T.A.R.S. Preschool or Circle of Friends. Or they come for swim lessons. Or they attend with their parents to learn baby signing or infant massage or kids’ yoga.

As our new mission statement reads: “We provide everything needed for all of life’s challenges, so that families and children can reach their dreams and vision. We see every child’s unique capabilities and help them achieve their fullest potential.”

The new mission statement guided the conversations about finding a new name. After numerous meetings during the strategic planning process of 2017, a stakeholder survey and a final review by the board, we will now be officially known as the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development.

We didn’t want our brand to send the message that we are fixing “broken” kids. We are helping any family seeking services so that their son or daughter can be their best selves.

And we felt it was important to emphasize our new name with a new logo, one that keeps the name Schreiber at the center of our identity.

So take in our new name: The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development. Check out our new logo. And know that we will keep doing what we’ve tried to do for 82 years: Enriching lives. Giving hope. For all who need us, every day.

Support Schreiber for the Extra Give

We have a new name and a new logo, but we still rely on the generosity of the community to operate.

Please consider a gift to Schreiber during the Extraordinary Give on Nov. 16. Go to www.extragive.org anytime on Nov. 16, find Schreiber’s listing and donate. It’s that easy. And every dollar supports the children of Schreiber.

A grateful Schreiber says thank you to the community

In July, when we kicked off another season of selling tickets for this year’s 30th Annual Rubber Duckie Race & Festival, we did so with some anxiety.

The rain on the day of the Rubber Duckie Race left us with a scaled-back event, but we still managed to have some fun.

The event, our largest community fundraiser, had suffered a significant blow as the result of the loss of one of the key supporters of the race over the years.

Fundraising is critical to our operation. The loss of support could potentially have hurt our ability to provide services.

So we asked for your help. And as you always have done for Schreiber, throughout the 82 years we’ve been in Lancaster County, you came through. Thanks to you, we were able to reach our budget goal for Duckie: We netted more than $115,000.

We are grateful for the many volunteers who came into our office and said, “I’ll sell some Duckies for you.”

We are grateful for the many sponsors who stepped up with their support. And we would particularly like to thank Donegal Insurance Group for being our presenting sponsor.

Most of all, we are grateful for you, the thousands of people who bought tickets. You stopped by our table at Root’s or on Lancaster’s square outside of Central Market. You picked up some tickets from the persistent friend or relative who was selling. Or you came into the Center to buy, sometimes with a story about the child you know that we helped or the time you bought your first Duckie in 1998.

Some of you even came out to Duckie Day on Sept. 9, when it rained all day and our Festival amounted to a couple of picnic tables and some games under one of the pavilions.

Because of that, we asked — again — for help, this time to make up for the lost revenue caused by the weather. We normally raise $10,000 the day of the race through the sale of tickets, T-shirts and games. You have donated that much and more through after-the-event gifts.

Much of it came from Orrstown Bank, which had already provided a sponsorship, sold tickets at their branches and showed up on the rainy Duckie Day to do whatever we asked. The bank delivered this week an additional $15,000 donation.

We are grateful for all of it, but we’re already moving on to the next thing. The Extraordinary Give is coming up Nov. 16, and we will have some big news — some really big news — to tell you about as we get closer to that.

Until then, thank you, Lancaster County. With your support of Schreiber, you continue to improve the lives of all the children who need our services, every day.