Billings TrailNet is accepting donations of children’s bikes to give to students for the holidays! The nonprofit organization which has given money to build the Billings trail system, also helps to provide bicycles to children in need.
This year, Billings TrailNet hopes to give at least 50 bikes to children at McKinley Elementary School at a holiday assembly this December, where nearly 80 percent of the kindergarten through 5th grade students there receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch.
With such a need, bike drive organizer Kevin Odenthal hopes to delight children who have no other means of getting a bicycle, with one of their own this Christmas.
“One of the most important reasons to do this is that it gives kids the liberty to be kids. Everyone remembers the joy of being in control of their own destiny,” says Kevin. He adds, “A lot of times both parents have to work or it’s a single parent household, and the parents don’t always have time to run kids around. To have a bike is freedom.”
Last December, Billings TrailNet managed to collect more than 90 bikes for children at Orchard Elementary School. During the special assembly where the bicycles were given to students, the children jumped for joy when their names were called and they took possession of their new bikes.
Caden Kosovich is a Billings TrailNet member and also works at The Spoke Shop. He was present at the bike giveaway in 2015 and was surprised to see the number of students who did not have working bicycles– or worse, had no bike at all.
“It was pretty touching to see their reaction, and to be part of their kindness and ours to them. I didn’t expect the connection between us and the students and the school staff to be so dramatic. It was an unforgettable moment that showed how strong our community is,” Caden remembers. “It’s a reminder that we’re privileged with that.”
In the spirit of giving, and believing that every child should have a good bike to ride, caring members of the community and supporters of Billings TrailNet are asked to join together and bring donations of new bikes, used bikes, labor, locks and helmets, to provide for children at McKinley Elementary during this giving season.
To donate a bike, money to buy a bike, helmets, lights and locks for the bikes, please contact Billings TrailNet at 406-281-1244 or email us at events@billingstrailnet.org. Donors can also contribute online by going to the website: https://www.billingstrailnet.org/donate/.
Bikes and bicycle mechanics are needed for a mechanic event Dec. 3, 2016, where used bicycles will be refurbished and cleaned for the giveaway. Anyone who would like to contribute mechanic time may contact Billings TrailNet’s Program Coordinator, Eric Wendt at 406-281-1244 or email him at membership@billingstrailnet.org.