More than 300 valley 4th graders receive free bikes

“It’s going to feel awesome,” said 9-year-old Diana Sixtos as she showed off her very first bicycle.

“It is difficult right now, it’s not a lot of money. I think it’s very good for the kids that really work hard at school and deserve a bike,” said Diana’s mom, Carolina Sixtos.

Diana is among hundreds of valley 4th graders to receive free bikes for academic achievement and model behavior. And while they all knew how to ride, most have never had a bike of their own.

“Some people don’t have bikes, some people don’t even have anything,” said Valentina Rodriguez, who received a bike Sunday.

“You take someone who’s having a tough time and maybe their family is having a tough time but they’re doing well in school and they’re being good ambassadors at their school,” said Scott Simmers, general manager of Palm Springs Motors, which hosted the annual event with Variety the Children’s Charity.

Enida Suarez said she can’t wait to watch her daughter, Daisy, take her first ride.

“I’ll probably get teary-eyed, she’s never had a bike. It’s a very nice gesture, I’m happy that they get together and help out people,” Suarez said.

The bikes are assembled each year by dozens of volunteers at Palm Springs Motors, turning the dealership into santa’s workshop for several weeks.

“The bikes get dropped here and our service department staff puts these bikes together, they do it on their own spare time and they’re all volunteers,” Simmers said.

And the people who made this giveaway happen hope it’s a memory the kids cherish forever.

“We all remember the first time we got our first bike and that’s why it makes such a monumental mark in your memory later on in life,” Simmers said.