The Campus Bike Center at the University of Illinois will conduct its annual kids’ bike giveaway on Dec. 17.
This is third time the Bike Center, in conjunction with the Urbana Bike Project, will host a holiday kids bike giveaway. Kids and teen bikes, regardless of condition, can be donated for the giveaway; Jacob Benjamin, coordinator of the Campus Bike Center, said staff will clean and repair the donated bikes, which are then given away.
From 1-3 p.m. on Dec. 17, bikes for kids of all ages will be available in the giveaway. The specifics: One bike per child; first come, first served; child must be present to pick out his/her bike.
“We’re hosting this event and continuing to do so simply to give back,” Benjamin said. “We recognized that first holiday season during the pandemic that we could safely host this event outdoors, minimize risk, and still provide for families and caregivers that were struggling with shutdowns, school closures, job loss, and so forth.
“Kids’ bikes are also a frustrating expense for families and caregivers as kids grow out of them so fast. That fact, though, has allowed our community to step up and provide the donations we need to continue offering these bikes to those in need. Additionally, research continues to show that physical activity, being social, and getting outdoors — all things a bike can facilitate — is vital the growth and development of young people.”
Call (217) 469-5126 or email to arrange a donation.
