For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Anne Mader 571-218-2002
40 Shiny New Bikes Under the Tree this Christmas!
$8,500 Worth of Bikes and Helmets are Donated to Toys for Tots

Reston, VA – Over forty children will be overjoyed this holiday season when they see a shiny new bike and helmet under their Christmas tree. For the fourth consecutive year The Bike Lane collected monetary donations to purchase over $8,500 worth of high quality safe Trek bikes for needy children.  Local businesses and local cycling clubs also joined in the effort. “It is great to have many local partnerships coming together to support such a great cause!” says Anne Mader, co-owner of The Bike Lane.  The Bike Lane staff rolled the bikes over to the U.S. Marines on site for their annual Toys for Tots drive with MIX 107.3 FM at Reston Town Center on December 11.  “I remember getting a bike just like that for Christmas!” said an excited onlooker, commenting on a shiny pink bike with a white flowered basket and colorful streamers.

This annual tradition was the idea of Holly Jackson, who worked for a company that held an annual Toys for Tots drive every year. Jackson started to collect money from other employees to purchase bikes instead of toys. “A new bicycle is the epitome of a Christmas present for a child. Who doesn’t remember that special moment when you saw your first bike under the tree?” says Jackson, who is an avid cyclist. The Bike Lane partnered with Jackson over four years ago in an effort to get more donations to purchase bikes.   Other local businesses such as EX2 Adventures, Graceful Edge, Positively Chiropractic, Sports and Spinal Physical Therapy and cycling groups including the Mid Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts, the FBI Race Team and the Quantico Mountain Bike Team all helped get the word out about the bike fundraiser.  Over the last four years, The Bike Lane, its customers, and partners have donated almost 150 bikes and helmets to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots. “It’s been a tough economy the last few years and thanks to the generosity of  our business and individual sponsors, many children will have an extra special Christmas this year” states Jackson.

The bicycle is a part of childhood. “Being able to give a needy child a brand new bike is an amazing feeling.  A bike is fun and brings freedom and independence to every child.  We want to bring this joy to as many children as possible this holiday season.” states Mader.

# # #

The Bike Lane – Reston, 11943 Democracy Drive, Reston, VA 20190