100 Bikes Go to Kids in Military Families

On Saturday, May 19, 2018, Armed Forces Day in the United States, the Rotary Club of Hinsdale, in coordination with the USO of Illinois, will provide 100 bikes to children of active military families based in Illinois.

The distribution of the bikes will take place at the Hinsdale Community House from 8AM to Noon that day. This is the first time the Rotary Club of Hinsdale has undertake this “Bike for Military Kids” program. The project is being undertaken in partnership with USO of Illinois.

In Illinois, there are approximately 25,000 active military members living in the state. Over half of these “actives” are married, and many are bringing up families in Illinois.

Last year, another program provided 100 bicycles to military families here in Illinois. Following that effort, USO of Illinois reported that the number of kids who wanted bikes was much greater than the 100 bikes available.

Following discussions with USO of Illinois, the Rotary Club of Hinsdale decided to offer another 100 bikes to military kids in Illinois for 2018. The primary distribution date will be May 19th, Armed Forces Day.

Beginning in early April, USO used a military website to announce the availability of the Hinsdale Rotary bikes for military kids. By the third day of availability, more than 160 military Illinois families had put in requests for the bicycles. USO, using standard military procedure, halted the web offering and announced that the 100 bikes for military kids would be decided by lottery from the more than 160 requests already received. The winners of the lottery will be informed shortly after May 1st that a new bike awaits them in Hinsdale on May 19th.

On May 19th, those families which have won a bicycle, will be required to pick it up at the Hinsdale Community House, provide their active military ID, and then take the bike home with them that morning. USO of Illinois will be providing all coordination of military families and actual distribution.

The Rotary Club of Hinsdale will be delivering 100 bicycles to the Hinsdale Community House the evening of May 18th. All the bicycles will be set up by Hinsdale Rotary and readied for the Saturday distribution. 25 boys and 25 girls 12” bicycles; and 25 boys and 25 girls 20” bicycles, along with a helmet for each bike, will be provided to the military family kids that morning.

The Rotary Club of Hinsdale is...

A community organization of men and women of diversified backgrounds whose personal commitments to “service above self” ranges from support of local youth programs, as well as assistance for the impoverished of the world. Polio eradication is Rotary’s primary worldwide cause.

Funds for our international and community service projects are raised through the annual Hinsdale Rotary Run Charity Classic, a local race scenario that offers 10K, 5K, and 3K runs through the village. For more information on the Run: www.rotaryruncharityclassic.org.

Along with numerous community projects, each year, the Rotary Club of Hinsdale presents scholarships for leadership and service, fine and performing arts and careers to three outstanding Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South High School students. The Club also presents Youth Merit Awards to high school and middle school students with exceptional academic, athletic and leadership achievements. For more about Hinsdale Rotary: http://hinsdale.clubexpress.com.