Around 50 bikes will be rolled out to families in need starting next week. But they won’t be coming from your local sports retailer — they’ll be coming from First Financial Bank in Southlake.
Started in 2017, the Big Bike Build is a philanthropy event First Financial Bank hosts to build bikes for Child Care Associates, a nonprofit organization that assists families in need. Mark Jones, First Financial Bank's president and CEO, says that 30 to 40 volunteers come out every year to help the bank build bikes for its day of service.
“It’s not hard labor,” Mark says. “Once you get started, it all just kind of falls into place.”
After building the bikes, volunteers will check for quality control and load and unload them for transportation. Mark says building bikes with the community is an amazing experience that rewards itself every year they host the event.
“Most of these kids have never had a bike to call their own,” Mark says. “Watching these kids receive the bikes and seeing the joy in their eyes is always very heartwarming. It reminds us why we do this every year.”
The 2021 Big Bike Build will run from 8:30-11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 11 at 151 W. Southlake Blvd. To register for the event, visit First Financial Bank’s website at FFIN.com.