Donate a bicycle, bring Christmas to kids in need
A child learns proper hand signals while riding his bike at a past bicycle giveaway.
The Sumter Evening Optimist Club is seeking volunteers to help repair donated bicycles for kids in need this holiday season for the 22nd-annual Cycles for Christmas.
"We've probably given away over 3,500 bikes in the last 21 years," said Tom Lawrence, a member of the club.
Last year, the club gave away about 300 bikes to Sumter children.
Eligible children are chosen through an application process through Sumter School District.
Cycles for Christmas will be on Dec. 21, where the chosen children will get a visit from Santa, a family breakfast and a new bike to take home.
"I just want to help the children and families that need it," Lawrence said.
The community can donate old or new bicycles to any Sumter Fire Department location. Donations are accepted throughout the year.
For information on how to volunteer and help refurbish bikes, contact Tom Lawrence via email at gatortom88@gmail.com.