Pinellas County’s Employee Bike Drive brightens holidays for 78 families
A few of Santa’s helpers from the Pinellas County employee ranks met at the Courthouse on Thursday and rolled out 78 bicycles and helmets to help the children of less fortunate families in Pinellas County as part of the County’s 37th Annual Employee Bike Drive. Bicycle recipients were identified by the County’s Human Services Department.
“We have our family housing assistance program that we usually work with to receive the bikes and gifts, and these are families that are working in our rapid rehousing program. This really helps them with gifts, and with just feeling that holiday spirit. And then it also helps families in our Veteran Services division. Being able to give back to our veterans is really one of our top priorities,” said Karen Yatchum, Human Services Director.
Barry A. Burton, County Administrator, added, “This year our employees pitched in more than $11,000 to purchase 67 bikes and helmets for families throughout Pinellas County. County employees donated an additional 11 bicycles, for a total of 78 bicycles going to children of families in need.”
Pinellas County Commissioners also joined in the festivities:
Commissioner Charlie Justice –
“Not only is that special moment for those families that will have a treasure to wake up to and the child will have a bike, not only that, but it really shows how much our employees care about our community. We don’t have what I call clock punchers here, we have people who care about Pinellas County, true public servants and I am so proud to be part of it.”
Commissioner Dave Eggers –
“We have to sometimes pause and remember what Christmas is all about, the season, and the feelings and thoughts for others that are probably a little less fortunate. The staff always reminds all of us what the true meaning of Christmas is.”
Commissioner Rene Flowers –
“I think for our community this event means that there are some individuals that would wake up on Christmas day with an absolutely wonderful gift that perhaps they would not otherwise be able to receive, because times are tough for everyone. Having these bicycles go to the individuals at rapid rehousing, as well as veterans’ families, I think is absolutely phenomenal.”