Annual Bike Giveaway Makes Local Kids Happy Ahead Of Holiday

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It was a joyful day for 175 needy children who received bicycles during the annual Holiday Bike Giveaway held Saturday by the Pittsburgh Police Department.

It's an event that never fails to bring a smile to the faces of many boys and girls.

Pittsburgh police and many volunteers donated, rehabbed and turned in about 225 bikes for the annual giveaway.

"I'm really happy cause it's a nice bike, and I can't wait to ride it," said Restina Williams, one of the children to receive a new bike.

Her brother was even happier since his bike had been stolen.

"It feels good to get my bike cause I haven't rode one in a while," said Tyrese Williams. "So this really is a shock to me."

The bike giveaway serves several purposes.

Besides making kids happy, it helps parents who can't afford to buy bikes in a bad economy. It recycles old bikes, and bicycling is great exercise. But they don't hand out the bikes to just anyone. The children have to be in an after-school program and performing well.

"Kids that are doing the right thing - being good students, trying their hardest and rewarding them for doing just that," said Officer Christine Scalise, of the Pittsburgh Police Department.

Every kid also got a helmet to go along with their bike. It's the 10th year for the Holiday Bike Giveaway.

RELATED LINKS:
Pittsburgh Police
More Holiday Season