Children’s Charities Ball Results in Bikes for Children This Christmas

Saturday December 9th, Children’s Charities of Fort Worth (CC) held their annual toy drive. The CC was formed in 1989 by businessmen that decided to put their holiday entertainment money toward a philanthropic use. They created one huge, black tie event. Hundreds attended the ball in which a toy of at least $35 is required to enter. Local businesses like Blue Mesa Grill also contributed items and gift certificates that were auctioned off.

KC Jones LOC was thrilled to see about a hundred bikes were donated that night. Unfortunitly, there were not many helmets. The following day, Sunday December 10th, volunteers returned to divide the toys into stacks that were distributed among 18 different area nonprofit programs including:

• Community Enrichment center – 4 bikes
• Royal Family Kids Camp – 5 bikes
• Boys & Girls Club of FW – 9 bikes
• Alliance for Children – 4 bikes
• Catholic Charities – 6 bikes

The Parenting Center was one such lucky organization that received seven of the bikes. The center provides tools to help struggling families succeed. Many coordinators specialize, like Ana Rivalrola who concentrates on the teens who find themselves pregnant. Marla Christensen deals with families that have children ranging from infants to teenagers in the home. These ladies find most of the families are struggling financially. A lack of transportation is one common problem that bike ownership could solve.

{mosimage}Plans to follow up with these various organizations to offer training in proper helmet fitting, bike laws, and to encourage families to walk or bike with their children to school is underway. “I have to admit I was pretty disappointed that the bikes didn’t come with helmets, but luckily I know some resources through hospitals that may be able to help. By providing the helmets after the giveaway we have the opportunity to help provide the proper sized helmet for the children who receive the bikes. It also provides the opportunity to meet directly with the parents to pass on safe cycling skills they need to know and reinforce to their children. Reaching parents in the community, with the BikeTexas Safe Routes to School messages, will hopefully spark a renewed interest in cycling in a population that can benefit in so many ways.

CC helps children all year long. They fill backpacks with essential “Back to School Supplies” for abused children, give “Bears” to hospitalized children at John Peter Smith Hospital and much more.

Just like TBC relies on membership for operating expenses and to represent people who care, Children’s Charities needs members. Visit www.childrenscharitiesfortworth.com or call 817-595-6540 to see what fun things you can do to make a difference in a child’s life.