"Last
year, my sister and I enjoyed buying two bicycles for two
kids at Christmas in 'honor' of our father. This year we
want to do the same in 'memory' of our father."
"I am a 77 yr. old lady
that was raised in a County Preacher's home in eastern
N. C. I never had a bike. I always filled out the form
in the Montgomery Ward catalog, but never got to send
it in. So now I can buy a bike, but I can't ride it.
Funny how life goes. So last year I bought a bike for
a little boy in Virginia through my grand-daughter-this
year I do it thru you."
"You're a good man-Charlie
Brown- Thank you"
"Thank you both. I know
you are blessed for bringing the bikes and untold happiness
to 2001 kids. When I was a kid my bike was my horse
and it opened up the world for me. I still have it.
You have put bread upon the waters that will be returned
a thousand fold. Best wishes."
"Please accept our check
in the amount of $70.00 to buy one bicycle for a deserving
child in the memory of our son, William Blake Shaw,
who passed away May 8, 2001. May you have a blessed
holiday season."
"The enclosed contribution
is given in honor of Bob Boyd, my husband. If possible,
I would appreciate your sending an acknowledgement
of this gift in his honor to me so that I may give
it to him as part of his Christmas. Thank you for your
assistance with this matter. Thank you especially for
what you are doing to make such a positive difference
in the lives of so many children."
"I read about the bike
fund in the neighbors section of the Observer. Enclosed
you will find a check. Please use it to make a couple
of kids happy this Christmas."
"I read the article highlighting
the Spokes Group in Sunday's Neighbors section of the
paper. What a wonderful idea and as the article said…there's
nothing at Christmas like a bicycle for a child. We're
happy to enclose the small contribution to your efforts,
which represents one bicycle from each of our three
children."
"My two sons, ages 16 & 13
saw your wonderful article in the paper and decided
to help your great cause. They're using their own money.
I applaud your endeavors."
"It's my turn to help out your charity this year.
Amazingly, I was feeling financially flush this year and
had a little extra to contribute. I had actually asked
mom if she had any ideas of the best charity to help out.
That week she got an article from my cousin in Charlotte
explaining your project. Perfect timing. I wish I could
send more, but I hope it helps a little. Good luck with
the rest of your funding. I feel sure you will reach your
goal." From Greenville, S. C.
"My wife and I wanted to
contribute to the bike fund. I never got one, but bikes
and plowed fields don't go together."
"Please find the enclosed
check to cover the cost of five bicycles. I believe
my company will match this donation, providing the
cost of a total of ten bicycles. This donation should
be considered anonymous. We do not want to see our
names in the newspaper. Thank you for your effort to
help needy children during the holiday season."
"I think this program is
great! I would love to volunteer."
"My children saw the story
in the Observer and wanted to help. Best of luck. We
hope you raise all the monies needed."
"I read with great interest
and admiration in Sunday's Charlotte Observer about
the work you are doing to make so many children's Christmas
a lot happier. Enclosed is my check for $90.00 as a
contribution toward your work. I realize that $70.00
will buy a bike and would like for the additional $20.00
to be used for a helmet. Giving a helmet to each bike
recipient may be something you will consider as an
additional project. You deserve a lot of credit for
a wonderful contribution of time and talent. I keep
on my desk a quotation from H. G. Wells, 'Every time
I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for
the human race.' Sincerely."
"I would like to 'Buy a
Bike' in honor of my husband, Sherman, who is an avid
cyclist. I wish to make Christmas a little brighter
and happier for a child. Thank you for what you are
doing to give these children a happier holiday and
much enjoyment throughout the year."
"I came across your website
yesterday through 'Go Carolinas.com' and agreed that
this is a wonderful cause. Please use the enclosed
check to cover the cost of 4 bikes. Merry Christmas
and thank you for volunteering your time and effort."
"What a nice thing you
are doing for the children of Mecklenburg County. Please
accept my check for $140.00. If you come up short in
your goal to pay for the 2001 bikes, please call me.
We probably could manage to dig a little deeper."
"I am new to the Charlotte
area and read about your bicycles for Christmas Program.
What you are doing is especially wonderful and I would
like to help."
"Enclosed is our contribution
for the Spokes Group for this year. This includes $750.00
from MCMC and $140.00 from our employees. Best of luck
in this year's project."
"Thanks for your efforts
in bringing much joy to so many poor kids at this time
of the year. I did not know of your program, and was
delighted to read about it in this morning's Observer.
Enclosed is our check to help in this effort. Best
wishes for the program's success."
"The story in last Sunday's
Charlotte Observer about the Salvation Army Bike Fund
was very touching for me. Growing up, I was lucky enough
to have a grandfather that owned a bicycle shop and
was fortunate to receive a new bike every other year
for Christmas. I still own that last bike my grandfather
gave me in high school (he since passed away 20 years
ago). As an adult, I realize how privileged I was.
Please accept this donation to make someone's Christmas
very happy. Keep up the good work."
