New London groups seek donations for bike safety event

— New London Elks, Lady Boss Productions and other community organizations are teaming up to collect donations to give away bike helmets, bikes and smoke detectors to kids, at an event called Lids for Kids scheduled for May 29.

Joshua Gray of the New London Elks said this is the third year the Elks are doing a safety event in New London. They’re partnering with Lady Boss Productions, which has in the past held a tree auction benefiting the New London Community Meal Center, backpack giveaway and adopt-a-family program.

“This year we’re really focusing on bicycle safety, because so many kids have been trapped inside by COVID,” Gray said, “and we think bicycling outside is a really good way for kids to get outside and get active, in a safe way, especially this summer.”

Those wishing to donate money can do so at bit.ly/ Lids4Kids. People also can donate new bikes, helmets and smoke detectors to Ring’s End at 308 S. Frontage Road in New London, where Heather O’Connor of Lady Boss

Productions works, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The New London Elks Club, 81 Washington St., also is accepting donations from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. This is also the location of the event, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 29.

In addition to the giveaway, Gray said there will be a bike rodeo where kids learn about bike safety, such as responding to cars coming and properly fitting a helmet. Interested families will sign up for a one-hour slot, and masks will be required.

Other partners are Bike New London and the New London Police Department, and sponsors are Ring’s End, Safe Kids Connecticut and RE/MAX Legends.

Anyone with further questions can email ladybossproductions@gmail.com.