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Free bikes to 100 kids to kick off centennial
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Higley Superintendent Denise Birdwell and Athletic Director Art Wagner show off bikes they bought at Walmart for the district's "100 Bikes for 100 Kids" program.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
One hundred students in the Higley Unified School District will get free bicycles in December as the district kicks off its centennial year celebrations.
Ten bikes will be given out at each of the district's 10 schools in the "100 Bikes for 100 Kids" program, said Debbora Woods, Higley's director of capital campaigns.
"Because Christmas is coming up, we thought it would be a neat timing for Christmas," said Woods, who started Oct. 19 in Higley's new position. "We're still figuring out how to give those bikes out. We want to make sure we do it consistently from one school to the next."
Parents, community members and local businesses are being asked to donate money or buy a bike to help the program. District officials said they can provide free advertising to participating donors, as well as a tax credit donation letter, according to an e-mail sent out Monday seeking support from the community.
"We've had a wonderful response so far," Woods said.
New bikes, to be given out to students from kindergarten to high school seniors, are needed in all sizes and colors, she said.
A Dec. 12 kickoff event is tentatively scheduled at the district office to recognize those who donated to the bike program. The bikes will be given out the following week, just in time for the holidays, Woods said.
The first four bikes purchased, along with bike locks and helmets, were bought personally at Walmart by four district administrators, including Superintendent Denise Birdwell.
"We have encouraged walking or riding to school as part of the partnership with Gilbert for a healthy life," Birdwell said. "I am pleased to give to our community, and I know that a new bike will bring many hours of joy to a student."
The district's Centennial Celebrations committee has been tasked with coming up with ideas to observe the district milestone every other month this school year. Parents and additional district officials will be invited to join the committee in the future.
Some of the ideas include planting 100 trees around the district in the spring, and encouraging students to read 100 books or volunteer 100 hours by reading to others in the community.
To donate, call Debbora Woods at (480) 279-7096 or e-mail debbora.woods@husd.org.
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