Inola Church Provides Bicycles For Kids With Perfect Attendance

50 Tulsa kids are riding in style Saturday with brand new bikes donated by an Inola Church.

Saturday, December 15th 2018, 5:25 pm

By: News On 6

50 Tulsa kids are riding in style Saturday with brand new bikes donated by an Inola Church.

None of the bikes were just given to the kids for free. They all earned them with perfect attendance at school, making the day even more special.

Smiles lit up the kids' faces when a semi-truck pulled up to South Tulsa Community House loaded with brand new bikes, all for them.

"I was kind of confused why I was getting the bike then when I read the letter I was pretty happy about it because of my attendance," Said bike recipient, Daniella Alessou.

"This is not just a deal where someone raised their hand wanting a free bike. These kids have earned these. Worked for them," said Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton.

Former Tulsa Police Officer Popsey Floyd started the program to encourage leadership in the community.

25 students from McClure Elementary and 25 students from Marshall Elementary received the bikes.

Eden Mennonite Church in Inola raised all of the money for the bikes, hoping it sends a message.

"I think the best thing you get out of it is seeing that they can understand that some people a few miles down the the road care about them as well as people in their own community," said Sheriff Walton.

But making it even more special, were the kids at the church that raised money for the bikes through offerings and other donations.

"All the kids are happy and we are happy that we raised the money for them," said Bethann Walton of Eden Mennonite Church.

Sheriff Walton and his team have put up basketball hoops and fixed fences in the area. This is another example of community helping community.

"The look on their face is priceless. They are just so ecstatic to be recipients of the bikes and it's not just a wonderful feeling for them but the community in general," said Allecia Chatman.

"Today I am just a truck driver but I got to see a lot of smiles," said Sheriff Walton.

The program gave away 40 bikes last year, 50 bikes this year and they hope to give away even more next year.

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