GETTING A FREE RIDE
Credit union donates 30 bicycles to local children
TROY, N.Y. » Local kids have some new wheels to ride around on this summer, thanks to a donation from Sunmark Federal Credit Union.
Officials from Sunmark said they purchased 30 new bicycles, valued at roughly $2,500, and assembled each one themselves as a donation to the Troy Boys and Girls Club. Martin Harding & Mazzotti LLP also chipped in by donating new helmets to go with each bike.
On Wednesday afternoon, a handful of kids from the club came outside to find the new bicycles set up for them to either ride at home or at the club. For some kids the donated bicycle would actually be the first bicycle that they ever owned.
“When I saw the bikes I was like oh my God,” said 9-year- old Reilley Killion. “I don’t have a bike at home right now; this is my second time riding a bike because my old bike got stolen. I like coming [to the club after school] because they have so many activities.”
Officials from Sunmark said the donation was made through its Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation, and that they like to do things like this as a way to give back to the community.
“We just look for ways to serve and be a part of the community that we live in,” said Glen Stacey, social media and public relations specialist with Sunmark Federal Credit Union.
The bikes will be used for several different clubs throughout the Capital Region with a certain amount being set aside for special rewards, and others going to some Brighter Choice Schools.
“We’re looking to spread out the bikes because we’re doing bike safety throughout the summer so the kids can have an exciting summer and with Sunmark’s partnership we are now able to do that,” said Patrick Doyle, executive director of the Troy Boys and Girls Club. “Some bikes are going home with the kids and other ones are going to stay here so that we can do the safety course and at the end of summer we’re going to give them out, but it gives us an opportunity to utilize the bikes every single day here at the club.”