DLA For Sunday 121910

For showing TRUE Christmas Spirit.

Hey folks,

Jack "the Bike Man" Hairston gave away between 500 and 600 bikes to needy children Saturday morning, December 18, 2010. Here, some people still wait in lines while other children take their bikes for a spin despite the sudden downpour.

That's right folks, 600 Bikes. FREE. Jack "the Bike Man" Hairston has had his Bike Yard broken into numerous times, and just recovered from being beaten less than a year ago. But according to the Palm Beach Post - Rain doesn't deter kids from bike giveaway By Laura Green Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Updated: 12:45 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010

Less than a year after he was beaten outside his bike shop, left with a broken wrist and nose and a moment's thought of giving up his charity work, Jack "the Bike Man" Hairston is back.

This morning, Hairston and volunteers began giving away more than 500 used bikes to children from a warehouse off Australian Avenue in West Palm Beach.

After he was attacked, Hairston left the country, fled to Guatemala to "get my head screwed back on."

But he returned after only 10 days, committing to continue collecting donated bikes and repairing them for his annual giveaway.

"I knew I was coming back because as much as it angered me and frustrated me, the kids they scream at me, they need help," Hairston said. "You have to look at them and help them."

Hairston started the giveaway in the 1990s.

On Saturday, wearing a Santa hat, he watched the children choose their bikes, a smile plastered across his face.

Some children stood in line for more than two hours to get their chance to select from the messy rows of bikes laying atop one another. They waited as the rain began to fall. Some fled to cars when it began to pour.

Twins Victor and Erick Hernandez said they didn't mind standing two hours in line.

"It was worth it because we have bikes and they're old," Victor said. "We want new ones."

There were Dora, Barbie, Disney princess and plenty of girlie looking pink and purple bikes with pom poms hanging from the handle bars.

Boys has plenty of sporting looking options, with flames and tough designs on the metal. Victor chose one painted with the word Rocket. Erick picked a silver bike.

~ laura_green@pbpost.coms

Now THAT is the Christmas Spirit. Congratulations Jack "the Bike Man" Hairston, you ARE the Winner of the Display of Logic Award. You are the epitome of "better to give than receive." A clear example of what this Season should be all about. Giving unto others, and the rewards you receive from doing so. Keep up the good works. You truly ARE an inspiration.
Peter

Sources:
Palm Beach Post - Rain doesn't deter kids from bike giveaway