Giving a child “freedom”-- that’s how "Jack the Bike Man" describes his gift of bicycles to needy kids.
Hundreds of children, of every age and size, appeared at a West Palm Beach warehouse on Sunday, for what’s become an annual act of Christmas kindness.
Thank you to all the volunteers for coming out so early in the morning and helping out! Merry Christmas to all... https://t.co/tOxQZKf8NQ
— Jack The Bike Man (@jackthebikeman) December 19, 2016
"Jack the Bike Man", real name Jack Hairston, said this year’s goal was giving out 1,400 bikes.
Everybody remembers their first bicycle, everybody does. Bicycles gave the person who got it, as a child, freedom.
But not every child’s family can afford a bicycle. That’s where Jack and his army of volunteers comes in. They take in donated bikes, and repair and rebuild them, to give to deserving youngsters. After being fitted with a helmet, the kids pick up their bicycle. Volunteers adjust the bike for each child.
Omar Mazariegos, brought his 8-year old sister to get her first bike without training wheels.
“She was definitely looking forward to this day,” Mazariegos said.
He's helping all these people out. In 2016, it's nice to see there are still people like that.
He explained that he received a bike from Jack 10 years ago and has worked and volunteered for the organization in the past.
"Jack the Bike Man" said he and his volunteers give away bikes every day of the year.
The volunteers said in addition to donations of used bikes, the charity also needs bicycle parts and money.
For more information visit www.jackthebikeman.org