More than 100 children now have their first bicycle. On Monday Bikes for Brains held its 16th annual giveaway, to insure needy children will have a good Christmas.
Co-Chair Sandy Seeley says this has become an important part of her own holiday celebration each year.
"When you see these kids and they've got that big smile on their face because they realize that that bike is theirs, it is so cool. It just gives a nice warmth to you knowing that you are involved in something that works."
Bikes for Brains is a joint effort each year of Seeley and the Queen's Parlour Salon in Moline, Bike N Hike in Rock Island, and the Rock Island County Regional Office of Education.
Seeley says local residents contributed 9,500 dollars this year.
"When people send their checks, many send notes. And always they say this is the most awesome thing in the Quad Cities - thank you, thank you, thank you."
Children receiving the new bikes each year are chosen by the Rock Island Head Start program, The Project, Youth Hope, Children's Therapy Center, and Early Learning Quad Cities. Their new helmets are a gift from the Pilot Club of the Quad Cities.