Organization Continues Drive To Give Bicycles To Special-Needs Children
(CBS) -- Riding a bicycle is a rite of passage for many children, but for some children with special needs it's something they've only dreamed of.
But one non-profit in Kane County is making those dreams come true.
CBS 2's Mai Martinez reports.
Adaptive bikes can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 each.
But this Christmas Eve, three special-needs children will be getting adaptive bikes for free thanks to Project Mobility.
"We surprise the entire family. The parents don't even know," Katherine Simmons says.
Organizers were inspired by Riley Christensen, who raised enough money to give bikes to three children. Riley is now 17.
"I think it's awesome, and it's actually spread and so many people know of Project Mobility. I just think it's amazing that so many people have helped with it, and it's just such a big thing now," she says.
This year, Project Mobility is hosting The Giving Trees Festival, where decorated Christmas trees and wreaths will be sold to raise money for the bikes.
Some of the trees were designed by businesses, others by individuals who just wanted to help with the cause.
And as in years past, Project Mobility is hoping to raise enough money to surprise three more children and their families this Christmas Eve.
"Every time we do it," Hal Honeyman says, "the reaction on these kids' faces, the joy they see, the smiles, the tears of the parents -- it's the same every time, and it never gets old."
The "Giving Trees Festival" will be held this Sunday at Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.