What began as an effort to teach 37 children how to ride a bike, ended with those youngsters taking home their first bicycles courtesy of a West Palm Beach charity renown for two-wheeler donations: Jack the Bike Man.
The bike give away came as a surprise — one involving multiple organizations. The children came from the Guatemalan-Maya Center’s Escuelita Maya program. They spent six weeks learning to ride in classes led by Paige Montayne, owner of Wee Wheel Wellington. And, on July 29, Jack the Bike Man came through with not just refurbished bikes, but also helmets, so they could ride to school, their neighborhood or wherever their hearts desire.
“A bicycle can be much more than a gift. It creates independence, encourages healthy activity and opens doors to new opportunities. Watching these children gain confidence throughout the program and then get to leave with their very own bicycles was incredibly meaningful,” said Alejandro Hernandez, executive director of Jack the Bike Man.
Montanye said the partnership ensured students could continue building on the skills they worked so hard to achieve.
“Many of these children had never ridden a bicycle before,” she said. “Over six weeks, we watched them overcome fear, build confidence and experience the excitement that comes with learning something new. Sending them home with their own bicycles means the learning doesn’t stop here and equally shows them how valued they are.”
Jack the Bike Man has worked for years to supply bicycles to those in Palm Beach County who can’t afford them. This year, the charity reports a shortage of donated children’s bicycles so now the group is turning to the community for help.
How to help and donate to West Palm nonprofit, Jack the Bike Man
Arianna Otero covers breaking news for the Palm Beach Post. Contact her via email at AOtero@gannett.com and follow her on X: @ari_v_otero.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Children are gifted first ever bikes thanks to West Palm nonprofit
Reporting by Arianna Otero, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Arianna Otero, Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
