Hundreds of kids get free bikes, toys at annual events
Chester Jackson, the body shop owner who repairs bicycles for needy children, looked among hundreds of families in line for bicycles Saturday and cracked a big smile.
"You have to love it," said Jackson. "In spite of the cold weather, love warms the heart."
By the time the 9 a.m. to noon event ended at 933-A Farr Road, 875 bicycles were gone at Jackson's Fourth Annual Bicycle Giveaway at East Coast Body Shop.
Five days before Christmas, the scene was repeated at the Civic Center where Davis Broadcasting Inc. gave away toys and about 140 bicycles during the 49th Annual Needy Children Christmas Party.
Jackson said 125 bicycles will be donated to families on Monday. That will bring the total to 1,000 bicycles, Jackson's goal before the drive started this year.
In anticipation of getting a new or repaired bicycle, some parents and relatives arrived by 6 a.m. to get in line. Jackson said he saw some with tears in their eyes not knowing whether they would receive a bike.
"These families were so appreciative of receiving small things," he said. "I saw some crying in line."
With lines along the street, more than 40 volunteers helped fit children with proper bikes, direct traffic aloneg the busy street and keep the line moving. They included the Knights of Armour and Tru Ryderz, two local motorcycle clubs, and students from Florida State University, Michigan and others.
"They volunteer from the heart," Jackson said. "We don't pay. What pays them is the children."
Kenneth Hill of Tru Ryderz said the group wanted to support a good cause.
"All the smiles and all the kids faces, that's what it's all about," Hill said.
Cornelious King of the Knights of Armour said this is the group's third year supporting Jackson.
"He had a vision to give out bikes to the community," King said. "That is kind of like what we do. We give back to the community. We went with it and came down to help him. They love it and there is nothing like it."
It took James Cross two hours in line before he received a bike for his adopted son, 7-year-old Marquieus Williams.
"It's nice to get him a bike," he said.
At the Civic Center, hundreds filled the seats and waited for their numbers to get called for a free gift.
"It's all about the kids," said Geniece Granville, business manager for Davis Broadcasting. "It's really about the kids in this Columbus, Georgia, community. In all we do throughout the year, this is a way for us to give back and other organizations that care about more than ourselves. For the kids to come in and all volunteers to come out, I think it is a demonstration that there are some caring people in the city."
Granville said each child would leave with a toy to make their Christmas happier. McDonald's donated free Happy Meals for each child. The party was made possible through the annual radio-thon and community sponsors of the event.
Michael Tate said his number was called for a new bicycle for 7-year-old Eric Thomas.
"We've been coming every year," Tate said. "It's pretty good."
Just ahead of Tate was Laqundra Ferguson, who received a football, basketball and a bicycle for her nephew, son and daughter.
"It feels wonderful," said Ferguson, wearing a Santa hat. "I listen to Foxy 105 and they are Facebook friends."
This story was originally published December 19, 2015 at 7:51 PM with the headline "Hundreds of kids get free bikes, toys at annual events ."