The holiday season in Lancaster is a time when our community consistently demonstrates its commitment to children and families. One example of that commitment took center stage this December during the Santa Spokes Annual Bike Giveaway, an event that has become a reliable source of joy and support for students across the School District of Lancaster.
Santa Spokes began more than ten years ago through the work of a small group of community members who recognized the impact that access to a bicycle can have on a young person’s life. Hosted each year at Tellus 360, the event has grown from a modest effort with only a few bicycles into a large, coordinated initiative involving dozens of volunteers, school staff, business partners, and individual donors. What has remained constant is the belief that every child deserves opportunities to feel confident and supported.
This year, 13 elementary schools within SDoL participated in the program. School social workers and building staff worked together to identify students who would benefit most. These decisions were made with care, taking into account factors such as family circumstances, access to transportation, and the needs communicated by teachers and counselors. Once identified, each student was matched to a bike size and provided with a helmet and lock to ensure their safety and independence.
By the morning of the event, nearly 90 brand-new bicycles were assembled and arranged inside Tellus 360. The room was prepared long before families arrived. Volunteers organized rows of colorful bikes, checked tires and chains, sorted helmets by size, and gathered non-perishable food items so that each family could leave with both practical support and something special for the season.
Throughout the event, families moved through stations designed to make the process smooth and welcoming. Students were guided to their bicycles, encouraged to try their helmets, and shown how to use their new locks. Volunteers included longtime supporters of Santa Spokes, Tellus 360 staff members, and first-time helpers who came simply because they wanted to contribute. Their commitment ensured that every interaction was attentive and every student felt valued.
For many children, this was their first bicycle. That moment carried a significance that was visible on their faces and in their families’ responses. Access to a bike provides young people with more than recreation. It creates a practical way to travel to school and after school programs, visit friends, and explore their neighborhoods safely. It encourages independence, confidence, and healthy routines that can benefit students well beyond the holiday season.
The event was supported by a wide network of partners who contribute throughout the year. Local businesses sponsored bicycles, individual donors provided funding for helmets and locks, and Tellus 360 continued its long-standing role as host and partner. Their support makes the giveaway possible and ensures that the program can continue to grow in the years ahead.
Santa Spokes has already begun preparing for next year’s expansion, which will include middle school students for the first time. This change will increase the number of bicycles needed to between 140 and 150, reflecting both the rising needs of families and the commitment of community partners who want to meet those needs.
The School District of Lancaster extends its appreciation to Santa Spokes, its volunteers, Tellus 360, and the many donors and sponsors who contributed to this year’s success. Their generosity helps students feel seen and supported during a meaningful time of year. Events like this demonstrate the power of community collaboration and the positive impact it has on the lives of young people throughout Lancaster City. For more photos, visit us on Facebook.
