News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Big Bear Hotshots Present 21 New Bikes (Update)

Big Bear Hotshots Present 21 New Bikes (Update)

Baldwin Lane Elementary School Students Get Wheels

By Michael P. Neufeld
Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Update - Wednesday 3:45 a.m.

Big Bear Lake, CA - The Big Bear Hotshots arrived at Baldwin Lane Elementary School in Big Bear Lake with 20 new bicycles for needy students. But when they found out another student needed a bike the Hotshots found a way to purchase an additional bike.

The U.S. Forest Service Big Bear Hotshots presented 21 needy students at Baldwin Lane Elementary School brand new bikes as part of a holiday tradition instituted by Fire Captain Jesus Montijo. (Photo by U. S. Forest Service.)

The Big Bear Hotshots dug into their own pockets to raise enough money for the additional bike and Shopped Big Bear to purchase the 21st bicycle.

Forest Service Fire Captain Jesus Montijo is credited with coming up with the bicycle give-a-way and quickly sold the idea to his fellow Hotshots.

"It's our way," Montijo stated, "of helping kids in our communities. I know how much my bike meant to me while I was growing up, and the smile it puts on their faces, makes it all worthwhile.

Original Story

Big Bear Lake, CA - Members of the U. S. Forest Service Big Bear Hotshots will give early holiday presents to 20 needy youngsters today, December 15, at Baldwin Lane Elementary School. Each selected student will receive a brand new bicycle.

The new bikes are guaranteed to bring smiles to the faces of the recipients as the Big Bear Hotshots continue a tradition started eight years ago.

The members of the crew contribute the money necessary to purchase the shiny new bicycles and then work with local community groups to identify qualified youngsters.

The 10 a.m. presentations will take place on the campus at 44500 Baldwin Lane in Big Bear Lake.

This article was first published on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 7:03 pm. This article has been viewed 2255 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, RIMOFTHEWORLD.net Managing News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.