Volunteers build 100 bikes for kids in need
Representatives of 10 local organizations set aside their normal daily duties Wednesday to put together bikes at the LeMoyne Community Center in the United Way of Washington County’s inaugural Build A Bike event.
The efforts of 80 volunteers resulted in 100 bikes, which, along with helmets, will be given to children in need at the community center’s Christmas spectacular, scheduled for Dec. 21. There were bikes in all sizes for kids of all ages.
Organizations involved were 84 Lumber, Range Resources, UPMC Washington, EQT Corp., CentiMark, Columbia Gas of Pa., Legrand/Starline, Nicholson Construction, Bug-O-Systems, and Menard Ground Improvement Specialists.
Jessica Tennant, marketing and fundraising manager for the United Way of Washington County, said the idea came from Nicholson Construction.
“There is a need in the community for it and a need at the LeMoyne Community Center,” she said. “We reached out to all of these other organizations, who jumped at the opportunity to provide bikes for the youth in our community.”
Mary Ellen Large, business development executive for Nicholson Construction, said the Canonsburg-based company likes to be active in the community. She credited executive assistant Tracy Schrock and safety director Zack Wright for their efforts in making Build A Bike come to fruition.
“We really want to give back,” Large said. “We just wanted to make it big with all of the other groups that came together. It’s so wonderful. It fills us up and makes our hearts big. Nicholson does care. We were really happy to give back.”
That sentiment was echoed by Madi McIntyre, human resources coordinator at Menard.
“Giving back any time of year is important, but especially when there’s so many families in need,” she said. “That just makes you feel good. It’s good to know you’re making a difference in children’s lives; that’s the best.”
Tennant said each company sponsored 10 bikes and helmets, which were purchased from Dick’s Sporting Goods. The bikes were delivered by Pro Plus PA.
“This is just one of the ways we give back in the community,” Tennant said.
Another recent effort of the United Way of Washington County involved providing 300 hats, gloves and coats to Washington High School for students who may need winter outerwear.
Teresa Burroughs, executive director of the LeMoyne Community Center, beamed while watching the volunteers work on the bikes.
“We are overwhelmed, overjoyed,” she said. “The room is full of excitement, and it’s so heartwarming knowing that kids will have a brand-new bike for Christmas. They are working really hard. They came right in, rolled up their sleeves and got busy. It’s a wonderful environment.”
Burroughs said more than 200 families are registered for the Christmas spectacular.
“This year, those that need a bike will be able to take a brand-new bike home,” she said. “It’s really a wonderful blessing and opportunity for our community. We’re all about making the holiday merry and special for the people in the community.”
United Way of Washington County celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025 and has plans for a number of events in the coming year. Tennant said the hope is that Build A Bike will again be one of them.
“We’re hoping this becomes an annual event, and we hope it becomes even bigger,” she said.