Jul 10, 2007 By Steve Ferris 2 min read

John Ritz owns the successful Laurel Highlands Nurseries in Uniontown but he said he grew up poor and knows how much bicycles mean to disadvantaged children. He said he enjoys donating bikes, especially around Christmastime, to children whose families can’t afford them.

“I’m thankful I can do it,” Ritz said Monday. “I have no kids of my own.”

He is starting early this year by donating 20 bikes as well as four scooters, 12 basketballs, 200 stuffed animals and a few small swimming pools that will be given away Thursday during the Uniontown Parks and Recreation Department’s “Fun Day” at Bailey Park.

Children ages 5 to 14 years old should arrive at 10 a.m. to register. They will receive one ticket for the giveaway and another ticket for the free hot dogs and hamburgers.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes basketball, baseball, football contests and other activities.

“I can’t say enough and thank him for what he is doing for the kids of Uniontown,” said Joseph Giachetti, a Uniontown city councilman and director of the parks and public property department. “I think it’s phenomenal.”

Parks workers were busy Monday sprucing up the park and assembling the bikes.

Ritz said giving bike to a child is like giving a car to an adult.

“I came from a very poor family. I know what it means to have a bike,” Ritz said.

He said he also donates items to Fayette County Children and Youth Services.

“I like doing stuff like that. It makes me feel good. I have good health and a good business. I like doing something like that,” Ritz said.

Giachetti said he recently stopped at Ritz’s nursery to buy what he needed for some yard work he was planning when he noticed a bunch of bikes.

“I asked if he could use them for the kids at Bailey,” Ritz said.

Giachetti said he jumped at the donation and quickly started making arrangements to give the bikes and other gifts to children. He said he could not recall a more generous donation.

He said he and Jerry Quinn, parks and recreation supervisor, will draw tickets for the giveaways and present the gifts.