When State Sen. Marty Flynn looks back on his childhood, he remembers the feeling of independence, confidence and joy that riding a bike with friends brought him.

For the last 12 years, Flynn has helped to bring those good feelings to area children, gifting them with a bike for Christmas.

The effort started small with a few hundred bikes and has grown over the years. This year 2,000 bicycles were given to area children in grades two through five throughout school districts in the 22nd Senatorial District, marking the largest year for the annual effort and nearly 1,000 more bikes than last year.

Senator Marty Flynn hosted a bike donation event supporting children across the 22nd Senatorial District. The bicycles were distributed to 2,000 children in school districts across the area. (SUBMITTED)Senator Marty Flynn hosted a bike donation event supporting children across the 22nd Senatorial District. The bicycles were distributed to 2,000 children in school districts across the area. (SUBMITTED)
Senator Marty Flynn hosted a bike donation event supporting children across the 22nd Senatorial District. The bicycles were distributed to 2,000 children in school districts across the area. (SUBMITTED)Senator Marty Flynn hosted a bike donation event supporting children across the 22nd Senatorial District. The bicycles were distributed to 2,000 children in school districts across the area. (SUBMITTED)

Flynn took to Instagram Wednesday morning, sitting sadly with a single bicycle inside a Pittston Twp. warehouse when asked if the effort would continue this year.

But then, in a flash, rows of bicycles appeared behind the senator, who smiled and threw out his hands, indicating that the bikes would be distributed across his district to less-fortunate families.

And not only would the bicycles provide fun and activity for the young recipients, they would also serve to assist with transportation in their neighborhoods.

Funding for the bicycles comes from It’s All About the Kids Bicycles Inc., a nonprofit organization that raises money year-round to support children and families. Walmart served as the manufacturer for the bikes and has been a key partner in making the annual donation possible.

“This year, we’re doing this in memory of Pete Sabia of Pete’s Garage in Dunmore, who was always a huge advocate for helping people in the Northeast Pennsylvania region,” Flynn said. “This is about making sure kids in our communities have something that’s theirs, something they can ride, take care of and enjoy. When schools are able to bring these bikes back to their students who are less fortunate, it means families don’t have to choose between necessities and something that brings their kids joy.

“To see this grow from where it started to where it is now is pretty incredible. We’re pumped about it, and it’s all thanks to the teamwork that helped make this happen,” he concluded.

Distribution started on Wednesday and will continue throughout the week, he said.

Senator Marty Flynn hosted a bike donation event supporting children across the 22nd Senatorial District. The bicycles were distributed to 2,000 children in school districts across the area. (SUBMITTED)Senator Marty Flynn hosted a bike donation event supporting children across the 22nd Senatorial District. The bicycles were distributed to 2,000 children in school districts across the area. (SUBMITTED)