Ortiz began the bike giveaway while serving on the CCPD force, often surprising children he encountered while on patrol \u2014 especially during the holiday season.<\/p>\n
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas \u2014 Children in the city of Sinton \u2014 and some in Corpus Christi \u2014 will soon be riding new bicycles just in time for Christmas, thanks to a passion project started by late Corpus Christi Police Officer Vicente Ortiz Jr.<\/p>\n
RELATED: Nate\u2019s next kid up toy giveaway brings Christmas joy to Oak Park students<\/a><\/p>\n Ortiz began the bike giveaway while serving on the CCPD force, often surprising children he encountered while on patrol \u2014 especially during the holiday season. What started as a small act of kindness has grown into a meaningful tradition.<\/p>\n After Ortiz\u2019s passing, his family chose to continue the mission, with support from officers from both the Corpus Christi Police Department and the Sinton Police Department.<\/p>\n Senior Officer Jose Flores, who worked closely with Ortiz, says the giveaway reflects Vicente\u2019s generous spirit.<\/p>\n Flores said last year the effort began with just four bikes. On Christmas Day, he and Ortiz\u2019s shift would go out and deliver the bikes \u2014 something Ortiz frequently did, especially during Christmas. When Ortiz\u2019s mother learned about the tradition, the family decided it was something they wanted to continue.<\/p>\n This year, the effort expanded significantly. A total of 28 bikes were collected and will be distributed to children in Sinton and Corpus Christi, primarily in the neighborhoods where Ortiz once patrolled.<\/p>\n More from 3NEWS on KIIITV.com: \u00a0<\/p>\n