For the past six years, Pete Paulsen and his dedicated volunteers have been tirelessly refurbishing bikes of all sizes. These refurbished bikes are later donated to children in need within San Joaquin County. Bikes For Kids, a nonprofit established in 2018, focuses on collecting used bikes and restoring them throughout the year, with the aim of distributing them during the holidays. However, a significant turn of events occurred at the annual holiday giveaway on Saturday. Paulsen announced that this could potentially be the last such event held as the usual venue, his ranch in French Camp, will no longer be available. "It is the last year. Unfortunately, I gave the property to my son and he has got other plans for the shop," Paulsen said. "We are hoping we could find a warehouse... maybe someone could donate or help with it." The fate of the event now hangs in the balance, depending on whether others are willing and interested in helping it continue.

"Spreading Joy through Bikes - A Holiday Tradition in Jeopardy"

Origins and Start of the Initiative

The giveaway began years ago when Paulsen's friend was selling bikes at a yard sale. When his friend expressed that the bikes would be scrapped if no one bought them, Paulsen stepped in and asked if he could take them. "I said, 'Oh, don't do that, let me take them and fix them up, maybe give them to some kids,'" Paulsen recounted. This simple act marked the beginning of something special. Over the years, the initiative has grown, with more and more bikes being refurbished and distributed to those in need.During Saturday's bike distribution, which started at 10 a.m., rain and wind began to roll in. Despite the inclement weather, a long line of families still waited outside the entrance of the ranch. Inside the cars, there were anxious and eager kids ready to select a bike. In a section of the ranch, small bikes like tricycles and toddler bikes were placed under tarps, while rows of bigger bikes were lined up inside a shed filled with bright neon lights.

Impact on the Community

About 200 bikes were given away to the community, according to Paulsen. In the first year of the event, only 50 bikes were distributed. This shows the growth and increasing demand for these donated bikes. Free helmets were placed on the handlebars of the bicycles for children to take home, ensuring their safety.For families like that of three-year-old Angelina, the event was a moment of joy. Standing near her grandmother's car with a light pink beanie and pink earmuffs, she admired her new white and hot pink bike. "That's mine," she said to her grandma. Rosario Salas, a first-time visitor to the event, also shared her experience. Her granddaughter was aware of getting a bike but didn't expect to be the one to pick it out. "We thought we were just going to drive through and have them put it in the car," Salas said. Such giveaways help during the holiday season, especially when families are facing financial difficulties like Salas, who recently changed jobs and was a little short on funds for Christmas.

Personal Stories of Gratitude

One 12-year-old's Christmas wish came early. Katrina Ramos, mother of Jesse, had been concerned as her son's bicycle was stolen earlier this year. Living in a shelter with her children, she wasn't sure how she would get him a new bike. But when Jesse walked up and down the aisles of bikes and his eyes lit up for a Diamondback grey and black bike with a bag attached in the back to carry his belongings, it was a moment of pure joy. "He looked at a couple (bikes) and his eyes brightened for the Diamondback. It caught his eye big time," Ramos said. His mother said the bike he received on Saturday was even better than the one that was stolen. "It's a blessing from God... it's better than the one he had," Ramos said. These personal stories highlight the profound impact of the Bikes For Kids initiative on the lives of these children.As the morning continued, children of all ages hopped on bikes and tested them out. Their excited voices could be heard saying, "I want this one!," "Look at this helmet!," and "I want this one, dad!" It was a sight that brought a smile to everyone's face, showing the power of a simple act of giving.