Sunshine Therapy Club lends a helping hand to community children and their families

By Thaddeus Govan

ABOVE PHOTO: TJ and her Sunshine Therapy Club staff.

(by Thaddeus Govan)

There is something very special about organizations that help people; and that “special something” is amplified when the people being helped are children. Sunshine Therapy is that type of organization.

Sunshine Therapy, a physical and occupational therapy practice focusing on children, was founded by Taraya J. Shirdan in 1998. The practice is located in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania on Township Line Road. Shirdan began the practice after completing her master’s degree in physical therapy at the University of Pennsylvania. Shirdan, known as “TJ” by her staff and friends, started the practice out of a desire to help the community. “I started Sunshine Therapy after working for another physical therapist, based on a desire to leave something for my kids, and to help other children.” Shirdan said, “We now serve about 500 children every year,” she added. “We do a lot with what is known in the field as ‘play therapy.'”

At first, the operations were based in Shirdan’s home. “When I started Sunshine, I was working from my kitchen table. After two years, I found a place on Township Line Road in Drexel Hill, and we’ve been there ever since.”

PHOTO: Sunshine Therapy Club Founder TJ Shirdan with gifts under the Christmas tree at the annual Sunshine Therapy Club holiday party

On Dec. 9, Sunshine Therapy held their annual Toy Drive and Christmas Party, an opportunity for staff, friends and family to have fun after a year’s hard work. The entertainment included The Girard Academic Music Program Jazz Combo, a group of talented high school students led by Band Director Vincent W. Rutland.

The evening ended with dancing and a raffle to benefit the hard working staffers who give of themselves everyday.

“This is what we’re all about,” says Shirdan. “We just want to help others, and have a good time.”

For more information contact Sunshine Therapy Club, Inc., 3300 Township Line Rd. Suite 102, Drexel Hill, PA 19026-1925; Phone: 866-810-9919; Fax: 610-853-9921.

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