“The Swing Project is very near and dear to our hearts. Our grandson Miles not only has a life-limiting genetic disease nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH), he also has cortical visual blindness due to the effects of this neurological disease,” Brunner said.

“Miles loves the experience of swinging. From the very first moment we witnessed his smiles and joy while swinging, we knew we wanted to do all possible to share this experience with other special needs children and their families.”

Smiles for Miles is working diligently to bring this to the forefront of those involved with the Parks and Recreation Councils throughout Central Pennsylvania.

“We have purchased several individual special adaptive swings to gift to therapists throughout region to assist them in the process of therapy with special needs children.

Penny Brunner, founder of Smiles for Miles, is shown with Buddy Austin of Austin Texas Hot Dogs, Tipton. The location was the largest collector of donations this summer.

“This enables multiple children to utilize the swings. Now children with Down syndrome, autism, injuries that have resulted in brain damage, neurological disorders, etc., can participate in the wonderful experience of swinging,” she said.

“Therapists have shared with us how very rewarding it can be to children to having swinging to look forward to as an incentive to participate in their therapy.”

Smiles for Miles charitable organization is thankful to all those that donated to the swing project and helped to make this dream a reality.