Last week at the magnificent Amalie arena, an astounding feat was witnessed. A dedicated team of 1,000 OnBikes volunteers came together to assemble more than 1,000 bikes. Chadwell Supply played a crucial role by trucking 50 of these remarkable bikes to Plant City, where they were destined for recipient children. These bikes were of the highest quality, with the majority being Schwinns. On December 16th, Tampa Electric Company (TECO) partnered with OnBikes to bring joy to kids at the West Plant City Boys & Girls Club. Alongside representatives from TECO, a small group of their linemen made a special appearance, handing out the bikes to a group of excited children. As the children received their bikes, they couldn't contain their smiles, laughter, and shouts, immediately riding around the parking lot with pure delight.

OnBikes - A 501(c)3 Non-Profit Making a Difference

OnBikes is a highly regarded 501(c)3 non-profit organization that tirelessly raises funds to provide bikes to children facing various challenges, including the homeless and those in foster care. Since its establishment in 2011, OnBikes has been a beacon of hope, having gifted an astonishing 18,000 free bikes to underprivileged kids. This remarkable initiative has touched the lives of countless children and brought them the freedom and joy of riding a bike.The work of OnBikes is not just about providing bikes; it's about creating opportunities and instilling a sense of confidence in these children. By giving them the gift of a bike, OnBikes is helping them build memories and develop essential life skills.

Lineman Donnie Newman's Perspective

Lineman Donnie Newman, a native of Plant City, expressed his deep appreciation for the event. He said, "It is a truly great event put on here today by the Boys & Girls Club of Plant City. I am thoroughly enjoying being around these kids and seeing the smiles on their faces. Giving back to the community is something that means a lot to me. 2024 has been a crazy year with all the storms we have had, and it has been a rough year for families. To be able to sit here and contribute to the well-being of the community is an absolute blessing."Newman's words highlight the importance of community involvement and the positive impact it can have on the lives of others. His connection to Plant City and his dedication to giving back make him a true inspiration.

The Power of Partnerships

The bike giveaway organized by Tampa Electric Company (TECO) in partnership with OnBikes and the West Plant City Boys & Girls Club demonstrated the incredible power of collaborations. TECO wanted to give the community a chance to connect with their dedicated line workers who had worked tirelessly during the hurricanes earlier this year.This partnership not only provided bikes to the kids but also created a memorable experience for them. It showed how different organizations can come together to make a positive impact on local families. The linemen had the opportunity to give the children some fun and share their skills, while the kids got to see different careers and possibilities.Aleazea Foster, the West Plant City Boys & Girls Club Director, emphasized the significance of the event. She said, "To the kids, the bikes mean everything. We have some kids who have never ridden a bike before and never learned how. At the event yesterday, the TECO guys and the OnBikes volunteers taught them techniques on how to balance and ride a bike. Other kids were happy to finally have bikes of their own size as their previous ones were too small. It was a great opportunity for them to interact with the linemen. Many kids don't get a chance to see TECO in the community, so it's important for them to see different careers and things they could pursue."Some of the kids also shared their thoughts:"It's very good! – Kaleb"I am happy, excited, grateful, thankful." – Shane."Cool!" – Damian."Epic!" – Joslyn.These statements from the kids reflect the joy and excitement they felt on that day, making the bike giveaway an unforgettable experience for them.