400 bikes presented to deserving Coachella Valley elementary students
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. -
A group of Coachella Valley elementary students received a generous gift on Sunday. News Channel 3’s Caitlin Thropay tells us why it pays off to be good in class.
“I got a bike that I really love," 4th grader, Gloria Camacho told News Channel 3.
Christmas came early for 400 Coachella Valley elementary students.
“It’s kind of like a Christmas present,” Camacho added.
Students received a bike and helmet from Variety the Children's Charity of the Desert and Marker Broadcasting's KPLM the Big 106. The two teamed up with Palm Springs Motors to give 400 bikes and helmets to well-deserving students.
“It’s a really cool bike and I got a helmet with it so I can protect my brain," Camacho said.
Last week, Variety the Children's Charity of the Desert raised more than $70,000 at its annual KPLM Variety Cares for Kids Radiothon. They used that money to purchase bikes and helmets for elementary students in the Coachella Valley nominated by their teachers as good citizens.
For these students, it certainly pays off to be good in class. They were all nominated by their teachers for being good citizens and role model students.
“I really have good grades and I really try to behave myself in school,” Camacho said.
Another 4th grader gave us some advice on what others should do to be a good student.
“Listen to your teachers and follow the rules," Anthony Torres said.
He also shared what he learned about riding his new bike safely.
“You can be safe by making sure you’re in a secure area with no cars like going to a park," Torres explained.
Executive Director of Variety the Children's Charity of the Desert, Heidi Maldoone tells us this is the 22nd year they have recognized star students in the valley.
“To see the smile and joy on each of these student’s faces when they receive a bike and knowing that they earned that is incredible also the moment when a bike sponsor gets to present a bike to these children is an exceptional moment," Maldoone said. "Our community giving back to students and helping encourage them is really amazing,” she added.
