AMARILLO, TEXAS -- It was an early Christmas present for students at Hamlet Elementary. 30 bicycles were given away to deserving children. A gift from Academy Outdoors, who also gave the students helmets and bike locks as part of their 9th annual nationwide youth bike donation program. 15 boys and 15 girls won the bikes based on an essay they wrote on why they deserve a new bicycle. Academy says they're just thankful to be able to give back to the community.
"This is just a way for Academy just to help out the community and also for the kids to be active in the community, just to ride the bike around," said Javiel Jimenez, Academy Outdoors Assistant Manager.
Academy gives away bicycles at different schools each year. This year, during the nationwide donation, 1,800 bicycles and helmets were given to students.
