50 Bikes for 50 Kids
HARAHAN, LA (December 8, 2009) –
The New Orleans Police Department’s 3rd District, Durr Heavy Construction, Shaw Group and the Beacon of Hope Resource Center joined together today to provide 50 Mary Bethune Elementary School students with 50 brand new bicycles as part of a community policing initiative.
The program was developed by the NOPD’s 3rd District and the Beacon of Hope to create positive relationships between young neighborhood children and the police officers.
“The 3rd District is so grateful to the residents who have supported us through the years and we’d like to show our appreciation this holiday season by giving 50 bikes to 50 kids within the 3rd district,” said Major Greg Elder, Commander of the Third District. “This is a way for the NOPD to establish positive relationships with our young children in the 3rd district.” The bike giveaway was linked to school achievement and, as an added bonus for the entire student body, members of the New Orleans Saints football team were on hand to sign autographs and have photos taken.
Principal Mary Haynes-Smith at Mary Bethune Elementary in Hollygrove, a public school in one of the 3rd Districts’ low income areas, was delighted when Major Elder delivered the news. Together Principal Smith and Major Elder developed the criteria used for the bike awards. Students who showed the most improvement in test scores, attendance, and conduct were chosen. With this criteria, boys and girls who did not typically get recognized would be rewarded in hopes that they will continue to strive to do better for the remainder of the year. “This will be an excellent way to encourage all students to do their best,” said Principal Smith.
Funds for the bikes were gathered from Durr’s and Shaw’s sponsorship as well as the 3rd District NOPD officers themselves who held a raffle to raise a portion of the funds needed to purchase the 50 bikes. Many residents of the area also assisted in making this event possible.
Major Elder felt strongly that each bike be personalized with the students name and that each bike be customize to fit their gender and size. A team of police officers personally presented the selected students with their bikes, along with a safety helmet and lock. Superintendent Warren Riley was in attendance.