‘It’s so joyful’
Volunteers build bikes for children in need
For the second straight year, volunteers gathered at the LeMoyne Community Center on a December day with a mission – to build bicycles for children in need.
More than 100 people from 11 companies gave their time in a festive atmosphere that featured Christmas carols as background music for the United Way of Washington County’s second annual Build A Bike event.
In 2024, 100 bikes were built. Jessica Tenant, marketing and fundraising manager for the United Way of Washington County, said the goal was set a bit higher this year with 15 additional bikes scheduled to be built and distributed.
“We always want to do more than we did last year,” she said. “We’re giving out over 100 bikes this year. Also, we’re able to distribute to three nonprofit agencies this year, when last year we gave to just one. We were able to expand that as well.”
In 2024, the bikes were given to children in need at the LeMoyne Community Center’s Christmas Spectacular. The bikes will be distributed at the event again this year – scheduled for Dec. 20 – and also to Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Transitional Employment Consultants.
“It’s amazing that all of these wonderful volunteers come out and build these bikes that go to children within Washington County,” said Teresa Burroughs, executive director of the LeMoyne Center. “It’s amazing to see all of these volunteers. They come with their tools. They have their Santa hats on. You can’t help but feel merry and into the holiday spirit. They’re making Christmas spectacular for these kids.”
Ann Hrabik, executive director of the United Way of Washington County, marveled at the number of volunteers and the efforts they were putting into building the bikes.
“They were here early, just gearing into building these bikes for these kids,” she said. “It’s such a great project for our Care United program. We have some new groups here, some repeat groups, all helping each other. It’s a nice team-building exercise for them. It’s nice when other organizations are helping fellow volunteers. It’s such a good cause. Who doesn’t want to build a bike for kids?”
The volunteers enjoyed the opportunity to participate in something that benefits those who may be less fortunate.
“It’s so joyful,” Tennant said. “You can just feel it in the room. People walk in and we don’t even get a chance to talk to them, they just get started. They know that what they’re doing is making a difference. They’re giving back to the community and making an impact for somebody’s holiday.”
Companies that sent volunteers were 84 Lumber, Range Resources, Washington Financial, EQT Group, CentiMark, Columbia Gas of Pa., Legrand, Nicholson Construction, Bug-O Systems, Groundworks and Menard.
“We’re always looking for ways to give back,” said Laura Austin of Washington Financial, who also is a United Way of Washington County board member. “I love the thought of building bikes for little kids at Christmas. When we asked the bank, we had volunteers immediately. Everybody wants to do it. It gives you the warm fuzzies. It makes you feel good. I hope to come back and see their faces when they see the bikes.”
Tennant said the United Way plans to host the event again in the coming years.
“We’re going to do this every year and continue to grow our reach and give out to more nonprofits and build more bikes,” she said.