Bicycles needed for annual Christmas giveaway

Organizers of a well-known holiday benefit are asking for donations of bicycles to give to needy kids next weekend.

The 32nd annual Bob Telmoss Christmas Giveaway will distribute the bikes Dec. 20 at the Freedom Financial Services Expo Center on Nevada Avenue.

Organizers said they are asking for more bikes because donations have fallen behind last year’s amount. About 450 bikes have been collected, but at least 150 more are needed.

Telmoss’s widow, Carol Reinert, said as many as 6,000 kids are eligible to receive the bikes. Those who reach into a stocking and pull out a white marble will get a bike.

“Probably the most exciting thing at the giveaway are the kids who get the bikes,” she said. “Probably the saddest are the kids who reach in and don’t get a white marble — and some of them have been in line half the night (waiting).”

If you’d like to donate, you’re asked to bring new or slightly used bikes to Ted’s Bicycles at 3016 N. Hancock Ave. in Colorado Springs.

“They make sure every bike is in the best working order,” giveaway president Kevin Starling said. “It takes a lot of work and volunteers to make it happen.”

The giveaway also welcomes donations of toys, food and clothing to provide gifts for as many as 10,000 people. For more information, visit:http://www.santa-bob.org.