This holiday season, the spirit of generosity and community shone brightly as this year JFS was able to distribute 28 bikes and helmets to families in Fairfield and Mosby Courts, along with seven youth in foster care.
The initiative began with RABA, Richmond Area Bicycling Association. Funds for the bikes were raised through the RABA annual bike ride fundraiser and RABA volunteers dedicated their weekends to assembling the bikes.
Four years ago, RABA reached out to JFS to help connect with partners we work with in the East End to give underprivileged kids a bike for the holidays. We’ve gone from picking up 7 bikes in our cars and taking them to Fairfield Court to delivering 28 bikes and helmets in 4 trucks this year!
The project was about more than just bikes—it was about the people. Andrew Mann and the RABA volunteers coordinated deliveries, with a RABA volunteer, Grant, stepping in with a second truck to ensure everything arrived on time. Tyrienne Jones and Ethan Satterwhite, the coordinators for Fairfield and Mosby Courts, identified the families who would benefit most.
Dr. David Galpern, a member of the JFS Board of Directors, generously provided office space to store the bikes safely until distribution. The teams from Fairfield and Mosby Courts and JFS Foster Care worked hard to make sure the bikes were delivered on time, when the final delivery was made to the Mosby Court Resource Center for families to pick up and store until Christmas.
The joy on the children’s faces when they received their bikes was priceless, a reminder of the powerful impact of community and generosity. The effort brought smiles to many families and made their holiday season brighter.
In addition to the bike distribution, JFS’ Lights of Love program shone brighter than ever, adding to the holiday cheer. Thank you to the Weinstein JCC and its members for their incredible generosity and support.
Your kindness helped bring joy to 199 individuals, ranging from ages 3 to 98 years old. We are truly grateful for your continued compassion and partnership.
Thanks to the support of the community, personal gifts were delivered to homebound elders, adults with disabilities, low-income families, children in foster care, and new neighbors from Ukraine.
Special thanks go to the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond’s Pearl Society and Women’s Philanthropy group, whose volunteers helped wrap gifts. A big thank you to Rudlin Torah Academy for itsr annual toy drive honoring Skyler Legano, OBM.
The spirit of collaboration and generosity made the season brighter for those who needed it most. The children’s excitement upon receiving their bikes and the gifts delivered through Lights of Love brought joy to many families in need.
The combined efforts of everyone involved have made a lasting impact on the community, and we are truly grateful for your continued generosity, compassion and partnership.
Jewish Family Services is supported, in part, by a generous contribution and programming grants from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.
