Westside Kinship Gets Free Bikes from Helpful Honda Dealers

San Bernardino's Westside Kinship program got a visit from gift-givers on Dec. 16 and children were invited to partake in cookie decorating and face painting, among other activities. The Helpful So Cal Honda dealers' Guys in Blue visited the organization, which provides support for kin-caregivers in San Bernardino County who raise extended family members' children who are separate from or have lost their parents, to bring bountiful holiday joy — and helped the children build their own bikes. The Helpful teams also supplied complimentary helmets and locks and children were taken through a bike safety demonstration by officers with the California Highway Patrol who were also on-site that day. “The Helpful Honda Guys were here at Westside Kinship Support Services to donate 35 bikes to needy children and The Guys in Blue took time and patience to work with the children to build their very own bikes," said La Verne Williams, case manager assistant for Westside Kinship Support Services. "The Helpful teams were very pleasant and such a joy to have around helping. They were organized and their interaction with the children was priceless. The kindness and goodness of the Helpful Honda People really showed. They most definitely live up to their name.” Pete Petersen, a Grand Terrace resident, attended the event with his wife Darlene and three of their adopted grandchildren, Bethany Stringer, 8, David Jeremiah McCarver, 7, and Clarissa McCarver, 6. "We met this great group for the first time and it's a wonderful event," Petersen said. Helpful Teams helped the children build and try out their bikes for the first time, as part of its mission to be helpful to residents throughout the Southland — especially this holiday season.