Fund-Raising Campaign Starts for Marine/Navy Bike Giveaway To Kids

Dec. 1, 2011 - PRLog -- Donations Needed  To Buy Bikes for Kids of Needy Service Folk            

Plans to provide more than 1,000 bicycles to the children of enlisted Marines and Sailors at Camp Pendleton and surrounding area during the upcoming Holiday season were announced today (Dec. 1) by the Armed Forces YMCA and Orange County Bankruptcy Forum (OCBF).

Last year bicycles were provided to more than 1100 military families, and the  goal to is do at least as well this year, reported  program co-chairs Candi Grant, a principal of Newport Beach-based Real Estate Receiverships, and Jess Bressi, partner of  law firm Luce Forward.

“The recipient personnel will be in the lowest pay grades,” noted Grant and Bressi , “and bicycle gifts just aren’t in their budget.”

“To give you an idea of how stretched these folks are,” they added, consider that the salary of the average E-5 Sergeant with two children places his/her family below the poverty level.

However, thanks to sponsor Huffy, manufacturer of the bicycles to be given away, just a $45 donation will provide a service person’s child with the Holiday gift, said George Brown, executive director of the Armed Forces YMCA at Camp Pendleton.  

“We are also counting on local merchants, who are regularly patronized by the military men and women, to provide company donations,” emphasized Bressi.” We also hope they will establish collection baskets in their places of business.”

Grant said she and her husband, Taylor, will match funds that are donated.

All donations--from individuals and companies-- should be sent by Dec. 1  to OCBF, 6789 Quail Hill Parkway,  Suite 204, Irvine, CA 92603, said coordinator Barbara Ericson, who can be reached at  949.475 2808. For credit card donations, call 760 385 4921 and ask for Rachel.   


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