Technicians at Honda of Morgan Hill made sure the smiles of more than three dozen children would last well after the dealership’s second annual “Christmas in June” event, held June 29 in the auto dealership’s Laurel Road showroom.
The crew was tasked with the assembly, tuneup and safety check on 38 bicycles—delivered by Bikes Because We Care in a goodwill partnership between the local nonprofit and car dealer—before they were issued to select children in need from St. Catherine Church and Community Solutions.
“Last year, we decided we really wanted to partner with Bikes Because We Care. We had contributed monetarily for several years, but we hadn’t had an in-house event,” said Ellena Woodhams, marketing director at Honda. “We usually donated the funds for a Christmas giveaway. But we thought, why not give the kids bikes in time to enjoy them for the summer?”
The concept of “Christmas in June” was developed last year and coincided with the Honda Week of Service, when employees at dealerships across the country perform acts of service in their local communities. Bikes Because We Care has been donating bicycles since 2004 and usually delivers them during the December holiday season.
“This is so exciting for us,” said Mark Reuter, who, along with his daughter Michelle and wife Cindy, established Bikes Because We Care and has donated about 350 bikes to needy kids. “It really warms our hearts.”
Along with summertime Santa—wearing board shorts, shades and, of course, sporting a long gray beard—the Honda showroom welcomed appreciative children and families with two rows of colorful bicycles, safety helmets and messages of encouragement.
“It means a lot,” said Jennifer Tate, a board member for Community Solutions, which helps victims and families of domestic violence. “Just being here and seeing their faces is incredible. They get to pick out their own bike. It’s just so nice for them.” About 12 kids from Community Solutions were chosen to receive bikes, while the rest went to families of St. Catherine Church.
“This is truly a gift,” said Anna Quinones, chief development officer at St. Catherine Church. “Not very often do they get to receive a new bike. It’s very special to them. You can see by the smiles on their faces.”
Honda of Morgan Hill is locally and family owned, and has been in operation since 2011. It was previously Gilroy Honda.
