Bobby Holley once again raising funds, performing to give kids new bikes
BATTLE CREEK — Bobby Holley is once again raising money and providing entertainment in an effort to give local children free bicycles and helmets.
The community activist, performer and substitute teacher is partnering with the Church of Living Water for a third straight year to raise money to buy new bicycles and helmets for 7- to 10-year-old children in Calhoun County. Holley and the church have given out more than 200 bikes and helmets since launching the initiative in 2021.
“There are a lot of needy kids that are going to need some good recreational fun this summer," Holley said. "These bikes can provide some of that fun for kids that can’t afford a new bike."
Holley will be performing in front of Walmart, Family Fare and Walgreens stores in Battle Creek and Marshall, where he will accept monetary donations for the bicycle drive. Additionally, Tim Johnston will be collecting returnable bottles and cans for the bicycle drive at a variety of locations beginning April 8.
Donations can also be submitted online via GoFundMe.
Children ages 7 to 10, or who are in second through sixth grade, are asked to write a one-page essay on "Why I need a bike." The essays should include the child's name, address, age, gender and phone number. Essays can be sent to the Church of Living Water, P.O. Box 2296, Battle Creek, MI, 49016, or they may be submitted at participating schools by April 10.
"Bikes will be given out starting in May to the top essay winners,” Holley said. “We are trying to raise funds to purchase as many bikes as we can.”
Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Bobby Holley raising funds to give kids free bikes, helmets
