Spencer Exchange Club celebrates 23rd annual Bikes for Tykes project

Evening World
·2 min read

The Spencer Exchange Club has announced it will again distribute bicycles to needy children and adults at Christmas and is seeking community support.

Last year the club surpassed a grand total of more than 3,400 bicycles given over the 22-year period since the project began in 2001. That first December the club distributed 40 bikes to children in Owen County. Due to the substantial increase in donations over the years that number has steadily increased. There were over 136 bikes given to needy children, and some adults, last year by the local club. The local community service club, founded in 1980, is hopeful that many children and adults will again receive bicycles this December and club members will be seeking donations from individuals and businesses.

The Bikes for Tykes project allows the Exchange Club to purchase top quality bicycles at a discounted cost from the Pacific Cycle distribution center in Olney, Illinois. Additional bikes of various sizes are purchased from the Spencer Wal-Mart. For many years the Spencer Exchange Club has provided more bicycles in the Wabash Valley than any other community. That has only been possible because of the consistent support by the generous people and businesses of Owen County.

While the average cost of bicycles has increased substantially since 2001, the club, as in past years, is seeking a $50 donation. However, all donations are sincerely appreciated, so if you cannot afford $50 please give what you can so an Owen County needy child and his/her family can realize a happy holiday season.

Please make the donation by check and place “Bikes for Tykes” as a notation on the memo section of the check. Checks may be sent to Spencer Exchange Club, P.O. Box 103, Spencer, IN 47460, or delivered to the law office of John J. Fuhs, 59 E. Franklin St. on the north side of the courthouse square in Spencer.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Spencer Exchange Club celebrates 23rd annual Bikes for Tykes project