Employee Bike Drive brightens holidays for 70 families

Employee Bike Drive brightens holidays for 70 families

A few Santa's helpers from the Pinellas County employee ranks met at the Courthouse on Thursday and rolled out 70 bicycles, helmets and locks to help children of less fortunate families as part of the County's 39th Annual Employee Bike Drive. Bicycle recipients were identified by the County's Human Services department.

"It is truly an honor to be part of such an amazing organization where employees work together to make the magic of the holidays come to life for our residents!" said Karen Yatchum, Human Services Director. "Being able to provide these brand-new bicycles to children in our community is such a heartwarming way of showing how much Pinellas County truly cares about those who may need us most during the holidays."

Barry A. Burton, County Administrator, added, "This year our employees pitched in more than $11,800 to purchase 67 bikes and helmets for families throughout Pinellas County. We are very proud of this generosity."

The bicycles were displayed in the County Courthouse lobby in the days leading up to the rollout ceremony on Thursday morning.

"We have to sometimes pause and remember what the holiday season is truly about - looking out for one another," said Commission Chair Brian Scott. "For the families receiving these bikes, we hope these bicycles bring joy to families who need it most this year."

About the Pinellas County Employee Bike Drive: For 39 years, Pinellas County employees have raised funds to buy bicycles for local children. The program is coordinated through a partnership between Human Services and Public Works.