‘ Bikes for Tykes’

‘ Bikes for Tykes’

Community comes together to spread holiday cheer

ralphhardin@gmail.com “This is something we came up with to do,” said Gordon Floyd. “To come together as a community to support the local children.

That was the call to action made by Marion Street Superintendent Floyd, and the community answered the call.

Floyd and Marion City Building Inspector Jerry Kelley came up with the idea behind “Bikes for Tykes” a few years ago and the effort has grown each year.

“This is our fourth year for this,” said Floyd. “It’s something everyone can get behind and be a part of.”

“Bikes for Tykes” collects new bicycles to distribute to kids in need at Christmas time with the help of local organizations.

“We beat the bushes,” said Floyd and that effort truly paid off. Before Christmas, Floyd and Kelly, along with “Bikes for Tykes” partners Robert Thorne and Michael Rushing took the more than $8,000 in donations to the West Memphis Wal-Mart and came away with more than 156 bikes for local kids.

The effort brings the total number of bikes distributed to over 500, spread across nonprofits such as CASA, Hope House and the American Legion, as well as several schools in the county.

“We don’t want any kids to get left out,” said Floyd.

And it’s never too soon to start making plans for next year. To make a donation to the cause, or for more information, call (901) 5742448.

By Ralph Hardin