Salvation Army Plainfield Corps will hold its Fourth Annual Christmas in July Bicycle Giveaway on Thursday, July 23.
This year, more than 100 local children will receive donated bicycles and helmets as well as participate in a Bike Rodeo given by Meadowlink’s “Safe Routes to School.”
“This is a labor of love for us,” said Lieutenant Luke Barney, Corps Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army Plainfield Corps. “Plainfield is our community, and we are thrilled to be able to provide bicycles to the children so they can enjoy the fun of riding.”
The popular bike giveaway is held twice-yearly both in the summer and winter. Over 100 bikes and parts have been donated by The Bike Stand in Scotch Plains, Jay’s Cycle Center in Westfield as well as Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County, Plainfield Club.
Children will also participate in a Bike Rodeo given by Meadowlink, a non-profit that encourages kids through education to bike and walk more often. Instructors will teach the children about pre-ride safety checks; bike sizing and helmet fitting; bicycle handling and safety drills; and tips on how to interact with traffic.
The following are other local organizations that have lent a hand to the event:
· The Union County Freeholder’s Office will donate the bicycle helmets with funding provided by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety;
· Representatives of the Union County Police’s Traffic Safety Education Program and AAA Northeast NJ Division will be on hand to properly fit the helmets for each child; and
· All the bicycles—which were previously owned—have been repaired and restored by Rich Albanese-DeMair of the family-owned Plainfield Dairy Queen.
· The Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority is contributing staff time and trucks to transport the bicycles to the site of the event.
“It’s amazing that my husband Rich has now restored 1,000 bicycles for the children of our area,” said Donna Albanese-DeMair of the Plainfield Dairy Queen. “The looks on the kids’ faces when they get their bicycles is just priceless. Now they can ride to school or work and also have fun while getting some exercise.”
The July event will mark the 1,000th free bike given away since the event commenced.
Bicycle donations can be dropped off at the Plainfield Dairy Queen, 1367 South Ave.
For children interested in getting a free bicycle at a future event, sign-ups take place at The Salvation Army Plainfield Corps at 615 Watchung Ave. Monday through Friday between 9am-3:30pm.
For more information on The Salvation Army Plainfield Corps, please visit SalvationArmyNJ.org/plainfield.