TEMPLE, Texas — 50 TISD students took home brand-new bikes thanks to a donation from electrical contractor the Weifield Group Contracting Texas.
TISD said representatives from the Weifield Group's Austin-area office visited Hector P. Garcia Elementary on Thursday, Oct. 12 to present the bicycles, as well as helmets, to 50 lucky students.
The students met with the representatives and watched a bike safety video before heading out to the parking lot to check out their new bikes, according to TISD.
TISD said many of the students were even able to take the bikes out for a test drive before taking them home.
The students who received the bikes were selected based on need, behavior for the past six weeks and teacher recommendations, said TISD, and represented all grade levels at Garcia Elementary.
“When we learned that Weifield Austin was going to donate some bikes to us, we were very excited, but when we were told it was going to be 50 bikes that they individually built with their own hands, we all sat in shock for a minute,” said Courtney Christian, principal of Hector P. Garcia Elementary School. “It is such a tremendous outpouring of care and support of our kids. This opportunity allowed us to highlight students who exemplify our Garcia Guidelines for Success – students who show respect, act responsibly, support others and strive for success each and every day. The support of folks like Weifield Austin truly defines partnership and community, and we are very grateful for what they are doing for kids.”
According to TISD, the Weifield Group presents bicycles every year to schools in areas where the company has active projects. This year, the company's Austin division chose Garcia Elementary to receive the donation.
Foremen for work crews from Temple-area projects reportedly built the bicycles themselves as a team-building exercise before donating the finished products to local students.
TISD said the value of the donated bikes and helmets totaled $5,500.
“We are devoted to creating a meaningful impact in the communities we serve across Austin and the surrounding cities of Central Texas,” said M’Lissa O’Neil, executive assistant for Weifield Group Contracting Texas. “Our goal is to make a difference in the lives of young learners and their communities, addressing their unique needs and offering them opportunities for growth and success. Donating a bike to a child is a small gesture that can significantly enhance their quality of life. It empowers them to overcome barriers, promotes education, encourages physical health, provides a challenge and imparts valuable life skills and experiences.”
The Weifield Froup does electrical and other contracting for schools, grocery stores and other commercial projects in regions including Colorado, Tennessee and Wyoming, said TISD, and reportedly does bicycle presentations in each of its regions.
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