Bicycles for Children
About Us:
Bicycles for Children is a non-profit, organization based in Temescal Valley, CA. It was started in 2012 as a Teacher Leadership project with the goal of donating 155 bicycles to impoverished children in the Corona-Norco Unified School District.
The project was so successful, that it has continued as an annual drive to provide bicycles to local children at the holidays. Each year over 120 local elementary schools nominate needy, but deserving children from their school to receive a brand new bicycle.
Through fundraising, community events, and private and business donation, to date, we have purchased, assembled, and donated almost 8000 bicycles and helmets.
Program Coordinator:
John White, jwhite@cnusd.k12.ca.us, or (951) 378-4635.
How the Program Works:
Each elementary school is offered at least 6 bicycles. Teachers and school staff members select needy and deserving students to receive a bicycle. Teachers are asked not to use grades, behavior or attendance issues to preclude a student from receiving a bicycle. Selecting teacher or a staff member picks up the bicycle from the assembly location and is asked to deliver the bicycle to the student before Christmas Day.
Recently, we have begun providing bicycles to community organizations, foster care programs, police departments, sheriff departments, and fire departments that work with at-risk children.
Outside of the obvious physical fitness benefits, our hope is that students receiving a bicycle will feel more connected to their teacher and the school. Which might lead the student to improve upon academic successes.
Local students of all ages volunteer their time to conduct fundraisers or help during assembly day. One day a year, students and families come to El Cerrito Middle School, the assembly site to assemble 900+ bicycles.