Radio Flyer Builds Specially Designed Hero Wagon For Hospitals Across The Country With The Help Of Starlight Children’s Foundation

“As a company at the time, we weren’t talking to consumers as much as we should,” says Robert. “We weren’t asking moms what they wanted in products.” So the popularity of these plastic wagons caught them off guard. Even in the depths of the downturn, the company sold around 1,500 wagons a day. More important than the longevity of the souvenirs themselves, though, Pasin had indeed ensured the lasting popularity of his full-size product. The classic red Radio Flyer wagon became one of the great American toy brands of the 20th century, and perhaps even more impressively, the company behind it remained independently and family owned every step of the way.

The founder of the Radio Flyer® Wagon company, Antonio Pasin, was born in Venice. His family helped pay for his journey, and soon he was living in Chicago. He was a woodworker by trade, but had a difficult time finding work in that field. Eventually, after worker odd jobs, he saved up enough money to purchase his own equipment and began making wooden wagons in his basement. During the day, he walked the streets of Chicago peddling his samples. Pasin worked tirelessly and alone until 1923, when his wagon business had picked up enough that he was able to hire helpers.

The idea behind them is to make a child’s hospital experience a little less scary and a little more fun. Give today to help deliver the Hero Wagon to seriously ill kids across the country. Local communities can also play a part in the Hero Wagon story. Beginning now, anyone has the option to donate a Hero Wagon by visiting starlight.org/wagons.

Soon, the Liberty Coaster MFG Co. was also producing tricycles, scooters and other kid vehicles—a tiny fraction of which have stood the test of time. Designed for Starlight by Radio Flyer, the Hero Wagon has an IV pole radio flyer wagon attachment, making it easier for all patients to enjoy a wagon ride. Plus, each wagon features seat belts for safety, smooth surfaces, and durable fabric that is easily sanitized by hospital staff between each use.

radio flyer wagon

When I was a kid, you could always find the whole line of Radio Flyer wagons at the local hardware stores , we don’t really have those anymore. Mount Vernon, Washington, USA. One year old toddler girl reaching for her bottle of water, in a wooden wagon next to daffodils and tulips. Hand colored photo of young girl pulling large plush bear through a field in a little red wagon.Hand colored photo of young girl pulling large plush bear through a field in a little red wagon.

Large mesh panels along the sides allow plenty of ventilation. The Veer Cruiser can carry two kiddos weighing up to 55 pounds each. Seats are contoured with venting on the backs, one-touch foot braking offers parental peace of mind, and the wagon folds up into itself for optimal storage. The Step2 Wagon for 2 Plus can carry up to 75 pounds and is easy to keep clean with sanitizing wipes or soap and water. We researched kid wagons from top brands and retailers, considering size, structure, and durability, as well as any extra features each model offers.

But when Antonio Pasin—inventor of the Radio Flyer—decided to invest $30,000 into a coaster wagon exhibit for the 1933 World’s Fair, he considered it the riskiest make-or-break moment of his life. The Hero Wagon was introduced as part of Radio Flyer’s 20-year radio flyer wagon partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation, which over the years has helped Radio Flyer distribute more than 15,000 wagons to hospitals nationwide. For generations of American children, the Radio Flyer “Little Red Wagon” has been a classic toy.

There’s nothing that will celebrate the weather getting warmer and spring officially beginning than a way to encourage our kids to get outside, get active, and go wherever their imaginations take them. If you’re interested, you can donate money to Starlight specifically to fund these wagons. Starlight CEO Adam Garone told ABC15 his family knows the impact of the wagons firsthand.

For many people, an antique Radio Flyer wagon brings back fond memories of their childhood. A true piece of classic Americana, the wagons hold a special place in the hearts of the millions of children who played with them over the years. Today, they can be valuable antiques, prized by collectors and enthusiasts.

/PRNewswire/ — Radio Flyer, the 105-year-old maker of the Original Little Red Wagon®, officially launched their first product designed specifically for use in children’s hospitals – the Hero Wagon. Most wagons can turn so sharply that they sometimes tip over. Look for razor ride onss that are built with a controlled turning radius. This design prevents the wheels from turning too far and spilling out riders and contents. The tires are air filled and have more rugged treads for use on grass, dirt, gravel and sand. The side rails of these Radio Flyer wagons are 50% deeper to hold more inside and the carrying capacities are upped to 200 pounds.