Shouts of excitement and delight filled the auditorium of Valverde Elementary School as an entire class of third-grade students received brand new bikes and helmets just as the summer season was about to begin. This joyful moment was made possible by generous donations and coordination from Bikes for Kids Foundation’s Denver Chapter, State Farm, Walmart, and Love, Sweat and Gears. The Bikes for Kids Foundation, headquartered in San Diego, California, provides bikes and helmets to under-served children across the country.
A few of the students shared what winning a bike would mean to them:
“If I win the bike, I will use it to play in the park this summer and ride to school next year!” third-grade student, Emily exclaimed.
“I want to win the bike so that I can ride it at the skate park every day and learn tricks,” third grader Emmanuel added shyly.
The third grade class was tasked with writing essays on how to make the world a better place. Students were initially told only the winner of the Bike for Kids essay contest would receive a bike. The students wrote thoughtful essays with their ideas on how to save the environment, get rid of violence and crime, and how to improve education. The students gathered eagerly in Valverde’s school auditorium for the announcement of the winner. Bike for Kids surprised the students by announcing more than just one winner. Four winners’ essays were read aloud and the winning students were each called up to the stage.
All students made sure to say “thank you” for winning their brand new bikes and one student added “there are many more ways to make the world a better place!” This challenge provided a fun way to open students’ eyes to the many ways they can give back and contribute to society.
After the four winners were announced, the Bikes for Kids Foundation had one final surprise for the students. The stage curtains were thrown open to reveal brand new bikes for everyone! The students jumped up and down, high fiving, hugging, and pumping their fists when they realized they would all be riding new bikes home from school that afternoon. For many of these students the bikes represent both transportation and recreation they otherwise would not have.
During the assembly, the students also received critical bike riding safety tips from members of the Denver Police Department. Thank you, Denver Police Department for helping to educate Valverde third graders on how to stay safe when riding their new bikes!
A very special thank you to the Bikes for Kids Foundation team for raising the funds, purchasing and assembling each bike and ensuring that all children received a helmet so they could ride their new bikes safely. Their generosity has helped to transform the lives of the Valverde third-grade students for years to come.
When asked why he is passionate about this work, Chapter President Tim Kooser shared, “I want to serve and give back to those less fortunate. Many needy families with children have little income for things like bikes. Bills, food and clothing are priority. For some, this is their first bike ever.”
Many thanks to Bikes for Kids, State Farm, Walmart, and Love, Sweat and Gear for your generous donation to Valverde Elementary! With all of the students grinning from ear to ear, it was clear that getting these bikes was like a dream come true!
To learn more how your organization can partner with a school, visit School Partners Program on our website.