BBBS annual bike giveaway delivers miles of smiles

Melsisa Kolb and her son, Braylon look over new bike received through BBBS sisters program. — Melsisa Kolb and her son, Braylon, look over his new bike received through the Ellis County BBBS program.

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Twenty kids in Ellis County are enjoying new and refurbished bikes thanks to the annual bike giveaway from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County.

Squeals of delight filled the BBBS parking at 1301 Pine Street last Tuesday as the kids and their families showed up to receive the donated new and refurbished bikes.

“It is wonderful to see,” said BBBS Match Specialist Lexi Gardner. “Many of the kids do not know they are getting a bike so it is wonderful to see their excitement and it is great to hear ‘Oh, that is the one I wanted when they see their name-tag.'”

Hays resident Melissa Kolb enrolled her two boys, 6 and 7 years old, into the program in October. Though neither boy has been matched with a Big Brother yet, they each received bikes from BBBS this year.

Kolb said she is thankful for the early Christmas gifts and even more thankful for the BBBS program.

“(My boys) are so just excited to be matched with somebody. They really need a male role model in their lives and I could not do it without the help of the community, that is for sure.”

Gardner said there are 40 “Littles” waiting to be paired with a Big Brother or Big Sister. Families or couples can also become matches for kids, Gardner stressed.

If interested in becoming a “Big,” or receiving more information, contact BBBS, 1301 Pine Street, Hays, or call (785) 625-6672 or visit the website HERE.