By Emily Ford
eford@salisburypost.com
SPENCER — The Spencer Civitans delivered bicycles for needy kids this week, just in time for Christmas.
Using unwanted and unclaimed bikes collected by the Spencer Police Department, the Civitans had them refurbished five at a time at Windsong Bicycle Shop in Salisbury, where owner Zorda Tucker provided free labor.
Only a few bikes were unsalvageable, and 20 came out looking as good as new, said Buddy Gettys, president of the Civitan Club.
“I feel good about doing it,” Gettys said. “It’s an excellent project.”
The Civitans loaded up the bikes Monday and delivered them to North Middle and North Elementary schools, where guidance counselors will determine which students will receive them.
The Spencer Hometown Holidays Committee co-sponsored the project and paid for about $150 in parts to fix the bikes, Gettys said.
It’s been several years since a Spencer service group refurbished bicycles for Christmas, Gettys said. The Civitans and Hometown Holidays decided to take on the project together, he said.
“I am so glad that we were able to do this for our community,” chairwoman Michelle Comer said. “It was due to the Spencer Police Department that we were able to maybe brighten someone’s Christmas, or just help at this time of need.”
The Civitans also are preparing for their annual dictionary giveaway in January, when they will present 200 dictionaries to third-graders at Hanford Dole and North elementary schools.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.