Fifty bikes, donated by Tampa Electric, awaited their lucky new owners just before Christmas.
Whoa! Awesome! Awwww!
Those were just a few of the reactions when Tampa Electric team members rolled into a local community center with 50 brand-new bikes donated by Tampa Electric – each one destined to bring holiday joy to a child in need. The moment unfolded during the Bradley Community Project Christmas Extravaganza in Polk County, where the spirit of the season was in full gear.
A few weeks earlier, Tampa Electric team members gathered at Benchmark International Arena with a shared mission: assemble 1,500 bikes for local kids. Every bike was equipped with a safety light, courtesy of Tampa Electric, ensuring that each gift delivered both joy and peace of mind.
Tampa Electric team members joined other volunteers to assemble bikes in time for the holidays.
Julie Ward, Tampa Electric’s community investment manager, helped coordinate the effort with onbikes, a Tampa-based nonprofit dedicated to building, repairing and donating bicycles for kids in need.
“The thought that kept repeating in my head was how a bike is tied to childhood and has been for generations,” she said. “A bike is about freedom, independence and confidence. We were able to brighten the future for a lot of kids — not just their day.”
Our team members are always thrilled to be part of efforts that send bikes rolling straight into young hearts during the holidays.
When given the opportunity to do magical things for local children in need, especially when Christmas joy hangs in the balance, our wheels start turning at full speed.
Learn more about onbikes’ mission and how you can get involved at onbikes.org.
