Aiken County Schools Give 233 Bicycles to Elementary Students in Annual Drive

Aiken County Public School District handed out 233 bicycles to kids in elementary schools during its fourth annual Bicycle Drive. That's a big jump from the 160 bikes given away last year.

Carl White started this program four years ago. He's the executive director of Student Services. White wanted to bring children a little joy while also getting them up and moving.

When it all began, each elementary school got just a couple of bikes. But things have grown. Schools chipped in. District departments helped. Community partners joined the effort.

Midland Valley High School donated 101 bikes this year, which was nearly half the total count. Wagener-Salley High School gave 21 bikes to Busbee Elementary School.

Chase Ferguson and the Gibson Family bumped up their donation to $1,500 this year. Students at Aiken County Career and Technology Center assembled 65 bikes.

The career center stored all the bikes, too. Jason Layfield works in the district's maintenance department. He secured 18 bikes so every school would have coverage.

Homebound teacher Melissa Overcash backed the program. Georgie Curtis handled bike deliveries. Volunteers from the community pitched in as well.