***Originally Posted September 17, 2010

The Contra Costa County Firefighters have raised and donated money and items to support our organization for the last 20 plus years. Our Bikes for Tykes program began with an engine company crew in Martinez rebuilding bikes for some of the less fortunate neighborhood children and giving them away at Christmas. Over the years the program has grown to giving out nearly 500 new and reconditioned bicycles to various organizations, schools, and local children, as well as Children's Hospital Oakland.

The most special aspect of this program is it's completely volunteer off duty firefighter efforts in donating their time and vehicles to purchase, pick-up, assemble, safety check, and deliver bikes and helmets to needy children throughout our communities. All monetary donations go directly to the purchase of bicycles.

Raising the ongoing operating funds for our charity, like so many others, is always a bit of a struggle. Through generous business, corporate, and personal contributions both within and outside our organization, charity raffles, and our annual Firefighter Golf Tournament, we have kept this valuable program thriving and look forward to many happy moments of children receiving a bike for their holiday.

Thank you for your consideration in helping keep this program alive. For your information, we are an organized 501(c)3 charity so all contributions and donations are tax deductible.

If you have any questions feel free to contact us at bikes4tykes@iafflocal1230.org.

With great appreciation,

Paolo Braganza, Firefighter/Fundraising Coordinator
Chris Toler, Firefighter Engineer/Fundraising Coordinator

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