Rick Case Bikes for Kids Gives Atlanta Kids Their Own Bikes

ATLANTA--Nov. 1, 20048, 2004--We all remember the childhood thrill of riding our own bike for the first time. Yet, for thousands of Atlanta area children, having their own bike is only a dream. Luckily, the Rick Case Bikes for Kids program has been making that dream of a owning a bike a reality for needy children for 23 years.

Launched in 1982 by Rick and Rita Case, the owners of the Rick Case Automotive Group, this holiday effort involves collecting donated bikes and distributing them to needy children through area Boys and Girls Clubs, as well as other charitable organizations.

"The kids would come into my bike shop in Ohio and stare at those shiny new bikes, knowing they couldn't afford one of their own," recalled Case. "I knew there had to be some way I could help."

He then started Rick Case Bikes for Kids and gave away 100 new bicycles to local kids in need, then asked the community to donate any bikes they weren't currently using. Rick Case Bikes for Kids donations are being taken now for the holiday season at any Rick Case location. Bikes in good condition can be dropped off at Rick Case Mazda, Hyundai or Mitsubishi on Satellite Blvd. at Gwinnett Place Auto Mall, (770) 476-2800, or Rick Case Hyundai and Mitsubishi in Roswell on Alpharetta Highway, (770) 225-5600.

"I've seen how much good this program can do," said Case, who reports that more than 100,000 bikes have been donated in Atlanta, South Florida and Cleveland since its founding. "That's a lot of happy kids.

"Rick Case Bikes for Kids makes it easy to get involved and help a needy kid. If you have a bicycle you no longer need, please bring it to Rick Case and, through the Boys and Girls Clubs, we'll give it to a needy child in time for the holidays."

For more information, contact Carol Barbour at the Rick Case Bikes For Kids National Headquarters at (954) 377-7410.