More than 50 bicycles - and helmets - are given to needy children at the 11th annual Bicycle Rodeo.
By STEVE THOMPSON
Published December 7, 2003
Bianca Villa wasn't quite ready to believe that Santa Claus would be arriving in a helicopter Saturday morning.
"He's supposed to come with his reindeer, not a helicopter," said the 5-year-old Lacoochee resident. "I wonder how he's going to fit all his reindeer in there."
But Santa did arrive, as promised, in a green Pasco Sheriff's Office helicopter to help deputies give out more than 50 bicycles to needy Pasco children.
Bianca got one, and so did her 2-year-old sister, Marisa.
The 11th annual Bicycle Rodeo was held in Safety Town, the kid-sized town on State Road 52 just west of the Suncoast Parkway where elementary school children are taught safety lessons.
Needy children are identified with help from school social workers. The Sheriff's Office Community Policing Team coordinates the event, and local businesses sponsor it.
After Santa showed up, the bicycles (and helmets) were given out. Then the sheriff's canine unit gave a demonstration, and the kids and their parents were treated to a pizza party.
The sheriff's mounted unit and its motorcycle unit were also on hand to show off their rides. Toys were given out to the youngest kids, so that none of them went away empty handed.
Sgt. Michael Schreck, who supervises the Community Policing Team, said his favorite part of the event was the looks on the children's faces as they saw their new bikes for the first time.
"You'd have to be the Grinch to not enjoy this," he said.
