A bounty of bikes
By Bobbi Mlynar
Originally published 02:42 p.m., May 20, 2008
Updated 02:42 p.m., May 20, 2008
High Gear Cyclery & Fitness Equipment is overflowing with bicycles that soon will be distributed to youngsters whose parents cannot afford to buy them their first bikes.
The distribution has been made possible by the St. Patrick’s Day Committee and area residents who participated in the fundraising activities sponsored by the committee, primarily during March.
As a result, 69 children between the ages of 4 and 14 will receive free bikes and helmets through the cooperation of Newman Regional Health.
Children were recommended through area schools, churches and non-profit organizations, according to Beverly Durham, a member of the committee.
The sight of so many extra bicycles and boxes inside the High Gear store was a little overwhelming, she said.
“There’s some that have training wheels and little girls’ bikes with streamers and baskets,” Durham said. They reminded her of the number of children who wouldn’t have bicycles without the efforts of the committee and the cooperation of all involved. “It almost made me cry,” she said.
Money for the project was raised through an auction and selling T-shirts, other souvenirs and tickets for a Las Vegas getaway.
The St. Patrick’s Day committee annually donates money to community projects, primarily those involving children.
The 2007 project resulted in a $7,500 gift to the Peter Pan Park Playground project, which was completed in a community-wide building blitz from April 30 through May 4.
slipandslide (anonymous) says...
what a great organization!
May 20, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )