Bikes for Tykes event brings holiday cheer to Manatee youth

There’s nothing like riding your very first bike. On Tuesday night, local Manatee County children experienced that sensation at the second Holiday Bikes for Tykes event.

More than 150 bikes were distributed to more than 110 families this year, said event founder Robby Hukill, whose local family business, Toughenuff, sponsors the event.

The charity event was brought about in part by Hukill’s own tough times, he said. Last year, he lost his sister and wanted to show his sister’s 10-year-old daughter that good things can still happen to people who are struggling.

On top of that, nothing beats a bike for Christmas, Hukill said.

“I think back to Christmas and I remember the feeling I had when I rode my first bike, and some of the deputies here feel the same way,” he said.

Hukill decided to work with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to promote his event because he said it kicked off during a time when law enforcement was painted in a bad light.

“When I came up with this idea last year, a lot of the stuff in the media was portraying police officers in a bad way,” Hukill said. “Some of my best friends and family are officers, and they’re my heroes. I wanted to give the kids the opportunity to meet these people and show that they’re here for the community. That’s just as important as a bike for Christmas.”

The bike recipients were chosen in advance as Hukill worked with the sheriff’s office to determine which families or foster children would receive bikes. Lt. Joel Perez, who oversees Manatee school resource officers, said the process was vast.

“We had our school resource officers reach out to Child Protective Services and other outside entities to find out who’s in need,” said Perez. “Then we take that into account and compile a list.”

The bikes were then assigned to a child based on their age and gender in order to match them with the appropriate bike. A room inside the sheriff’s office building held the bikes, which were tagged with the name of the kid they were for. Children were also given a set of pajamas, a stuffed animal and a bicycle helmet.

“Some of these kids don’t get the chance to experience this sort of give back,” said Ryan Pitchford who works with Manatee Children’s Services. “This may be the best Christmas they ever have.”

The bikes were donated by individuals and small businesses who support Hukill’s event. Last year, the Holiday Bikes for Tykes event gave away 115 bikes to about 85 families.

“It teaches kids the importance of giving back,” Hukill said. “It’s not always monetary. I’m not a wealthy individual, but I can still bring awareness and rally the community for an event like this.”

This story was originally published December 19, 2017 at 9:37 PM with the headline "Bikes for Tykes event brings holiday cheer to Manatee youth."