‘Happy to give back’: Hourigan, Kluger, and Quinn distributes free helmets to children at tomato fest

HKQ Kids distributed free bicycle helmets during the Pittston Tomato Festival Saturday, as part of its 15th annual giveaway, a program organizers say has provided approximately 15,000 helmets to children across Northeastern Pennsylvania since it began.

The nonprofit arm of Hourigan, Kluger, & Quinn typically distributes about 1,000 helmets each year. The event also gives organizers an opportunity to educate families about proper helmet use, replacement guidelines, and the importance of wearing a helmet not only while riding a bicycle, but while on skateboards, roller skates, and during other recreational activities.

“This event is so special. We look forward to this every year,” said HKQ attorney Tara Giarratano.

The program began in 2008 as part of the law firm’s effort to give back to the community. Organizers said the initiative was also inspired by the family of a young boy who died and asked the firm to create a program that could help protect other children.

Since then, the giveaway has become HKQ Kids’ signature community event.

Keeping kids safe

“We just want to keep the kids safe,” said HKQ Kids Project Coordinator Sue Greenfield. “It’s open to the public. We can help as many people as we can, and that’s what we want to do.”

Helmets were available in a range of sizes, including options for toddlers. Organizers emphasized that families should replace helmets after a crash or other significant impact because the material designed to absorb the force may no longer provide adequate protection.

“If they fall with that helmet, if they drop that helmet, the stuff that absorbs the shock, it’s a one and done,” Greenfield said.

Helmets also can deteriorate when stored in extreme temperatures or damp conditions, according to Greenfield. Families were encouraged to keep a spare helmet available so children are not tempted to continue riding with one that has been damaged.

Among those attending Saturday’s event was Liza of Parsons, who brought her 8-year-old daughter, Marley, to receive a helmet.

“Just to make sure that when she’s riding her bike that she’s safe,” Liza said. “I don’t want her to hit her head and have something serious happen.”

Liza described Marley as adventurous, making proper safety equipment especially important.

The giveaway also comes as HKQ Kids considers a broader approach to child safety. Organizers said they hope to speak with state legislators about expanding Pennsylvania’s helmet requirements to include activities such as riding scooters, rollerblading, and skateboarding.

It’s the law

Under current Pennsylvania law, children under age 12 must wear an approved helmet while operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle. HKQ Kids organizers said they would like to see similar requirements apply to other wheeled recreational activities.

The effort reflects the growing popularity of scooters, skateboards, and other devices popular among children, Greenfield said.

Although HKQ Kids has distributed approximately 15,000 helmets over the past 15 years, staff there said the need remains significant.

“There’s probably about 20,000 kids out there that are going to need a helmet somewhere,” Greenfield said.

Families who were unable to attend Saturday’s event at the Pittston Tomato Festival may contact the Hourigan, Kluger, & Quinn office during the next week to ask whether helmets still remain available.

“This event is about giving back to the community and educating the community on the importance of helmet safety,” Giarratano said. “Helmets are expensive, and they need to be replaced so frequently. Our organization, HKQ Kids, is very passionate about this and happy to give back in this way.”

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