Photo Credit: Kathy Meagher
Photo Credit: Kathy Meagher
Pasadena, Altadena and the San Marino Rotary Clubs will meet at the PUSD yard at 740 W. Woodbury Saturday morning for the the second annual “Bikes for Christmas” event to assemble 200 bicycles that will be donated to the Salvation Army for distribution to underprivileged children this holiday season.
“It’s exciting to know that we are helping to bring joy this season to so many young kids by having a hand in giving them brand new bikes,” said Pasadena Rotary Club Co-Chair Kathy Meagher.
The collaborative effort between the three local Rotary Clubs were able to purchase 200 bran new, unassembled bicycles at cost value from the Huffy manufacturer. The bikes range in sizes from 12 inches to 20 inches to accommodate children as small as toddlers up to age ten.
“Every kid wants to wake up on Christmas morning and see presents under the tree, but unfortunately this reality is not true for many of our families who are struggling to make ends meet. The Salvation Army is happy to step in, with the help of the Rotary Club, to provide toys and bikes for these deserving families in our community,” said Pasadena Salvation Army Captain Terry Masango.
Each bike is registered with the Pasadena Police Department and is outfitted with a helmet and bike lock donated by the Huntington Memorial Hospital. Helmets were bought at cost by local shop Around the Cycle.
“Our mission is to give back and this is another testament to that,” said San Marino Rotary Club President Gilda Moshir whose club donated $500 towards purchasing 16 new bikes.
Approximately 60 rotary volunteers are expected to assemble the bikes, including five San Marino High School students that are a part of the campus Rotary Club known as “Interact” members.
PUSD provided a storage facility for the 200 boxed bikes awaiting Saturday’s assembly.
“The assembly process really brings the community together,” said Meagher.
In addition to joining the assembly team, Altadena Rotarians will provide what has become known as their famous pancake breakfast to the assemblers, according to a press release.
“The Rotary Club has been very generous that they have collected funds and purchased bikes. It’s quite the spectacle to see the community is coming together,” said Masango.
“Bikes for Christmas” kicks off Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the PUSD yard at 740 W. Woodbury. Tricycle and small-size bicycle assembly will start at 7:30 am and continue until approximately 11:30 am.
For more information visit sanmarinorotary.org.
