While approaching Main Street Cycles, I was surrounded by bikes and smiling children. And the kids were smiling for good reason: They were the new owners of the bikes, courtesy of the Good Samaritan Shelter, Team Tailwinds, Main Street Cycles, and generous donations from throughout the community.
The program (this is the first year it’s been organized) focused on 50 homeless children, all residents at the shelter. There were boys and girls, ranging from 3 to 15 years old.
“We’re here for the kids,” Jack Boysen, CFO of Good Sam, said while basking in the ray of happiness the children emitted upon setting eyes on their bikes.
The cost for the cycles—including safety products like helmets and locks—
tallied up to $10,000; the community, however, gladly contributed, because a happy child is priceless.
Some notable donations came from Saint Joseph’s Interact, the Sheriff’s Association, and the Police Officers’ Association.
Intern Henry Houston compiled this week’s community corner. Send items for consideration to aasman@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 24-31, 2009.