Local Youth Ride in Style with Bike Donation

Local kids got a donation of bicycles from the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD), who provided the San Bernardino Children's Fund with the gifts at their regular meeting held March 19. "The bicycles, which are in excellent shape, will bring these kids such fun and joy," said John Longville, president of the district board of trustees. "We are able to help these kids and simultaneously keep our resources local. The Children’s Fund works hand-in-hand with the County to aid children 'in the system' – children who are abused, neglected or impoverished, who have been taken away from harsh environments and put into the foster youth system. Their needs are so great.” The bikes were formerly used by the district's police department on campus rounds, but when they were declared as surplus they were eligible to be contributed to a charity of choice under state law, according to district officials. Valued at $800, the donation of bikes was presented to Children's Fund CEO and President Erin Phillips, who was accompanied by two youths. Said SBCCD Chancellor Bruce Baron, "The Children’s Fund has a significant history of successfully supporting children here in our county in the toughest times of their young lives. They started in 1986 and have helped more than 1.4 million children since then, working with social workers and case managers to provide food, shelter and clothing. For children just being rescued or transported during an emergency intervention, Children’s Fund provides hygiene essentials and lunchboxes with snacks. The bikes will provide a touch of normalcy for them." Phillips thanked the board and the police department for the contribution, assuring them that the bikes would be immediately put to good use.