PBA The Plano Bicycle Association donated roughly 30 bicycles to children at the Boys and Girls Club of Collin County in Plano on Dec. 18.[/caption]

Members of the Plano Bicycle Association kicked Christmas break off right on Dec. 18 for the children at the Boys and Girls Club of Collin County in Plano, where they handed out more than 30 bikes thanks to donations and a partnership with the Texas Medical Association's "Hard Hats for Little Kids" program. This is the seventh year the PBA has donated bicycles to children in the community. This year is also the largest donation from the association, who will deliver roughly 60 new bicycles to children through the Boys and Girls Club, City House and the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County.

The annual donation helps organizations like these provide more than just the essentials for children in need each year, said Darion McCoy, co-director of the Boys and Girls Club of Collin County. It also helps those families who may be struggling to make Christmas happen for their children, he said.

PBA-2 A member of the Plano Bicycle Association helps a child fit his helmet properly at the Boys and Girls Club of Collin County on Dec. 18.[/caption]

"A lot of [these children] are just dying to have a bike, it's almost like a dream come true for a lot of them," he said. "Bikes can get expensive, and to [take on] that burden for the parents makes a huge difference. A lot of times we want to do so much more [for these children] and it takes a lot off of us too."

Members of the PBA also donated helmets to go with the bicycles and educated parents on proper fitting techniques, something that typically can go overlooked with novice riders, said Alex DuLaney, director of advocacy for the PBA.

"You can see how much the kids enjoy it, it's fun for our club and these kids," he said. "Having a bike gives you a sense of freedom; it's also a way to get everyone away from their cell phones for a few minutes."