American Legion Auxiliary Unit 347 with the support of the Lady Lake Police Department presented 34 bicycles and helmets to children that attend Villages Elementary of Lady Lake. The children, selected on the basis of need, received their bicycles Saturday morning at the Veterans Memorial Post 347. The children arrived early to participate in required bicycle safety training. They then filed outside and waited patiently as each child was fitted with a helmet and received a bicycle suited to their riding level. The children ranged in age from two to 14.
In the past, the American Legion Auxiliary has financially supported bicycle events sponsored by the Lady Lake Police Department. This year under the leadership of Cathy Trout, chairman of the children and youth committee, the Auxiliary decided to take it a step further and hold their own event. They invited the Lady Lake Police Department to support their event.
“Our answer was yes without a moment’s hesitation,” said Lady Lake Police Chief Chris McKinstry. “It has been an honor to assist the Auxiliary with this phenomenal event. Great to see all the children’s smiling faces.”
Once fitted with helmets and bicycles, the children were given an opportunity to ride in a designated area of the Post’s parking lot. Fourth grader Mya Garcia was happy to be getting another bicycle. She has long outgrown the bike she once had. Third grader Nickolas Reisman’s bicycle was stolen a few months ago. He was very excited.
“I can’t wait to get this bike home. Behind my house there is this big hill where I can go really fast.”
Four children in one family received bicycles. Sisters Michele Holstein, 11, and Jasmine Lewis, 6, were designated to receive bikes. As a result their little brothers were given the opportunity to get a bicycle. Three-year-old Connor Lewis received a bike and two-year old James Lewis received the only tricycle of the day.
First grader Shaylia Shumate was super excited.
“This is going to be my birthday present,” said Shaylia.
She was headed to her great grandmother’s for a birthday celebration.
“It took a lot of woman power to put this event together, but I think we did something really good here today,” said Lois Glosch, public relations chair for the Auxiliary.
Glosch took vacation time from work to help with the Auxiliary event.
“This just may be one of my best vacation days ever.”
The American Legion Auxiliary raises most of the money for their many projects with their Wednesday Bar Bingo and their annual No-Bake sale. In December the Auxiliary is putting together 75 food boxes for students in three schools, which provides not only the food for a holiday meal but enough food to carry the children through the time they are home on Christmas break.
