For most children a bicycle is far more than just a toy. It is freedom. It is independence. It is a status symbol. It is a right of passage of youth.

When Dickess Auto Repair and Advance Auto Parts came together last year to start the bicycle giveaway everyone was excited with the two dozen bikes that were distributed to area children. Last weekend, with the event now in its second year, more than 150 bicycles were given to boys and girls who likely wouldn’t have had one at all and may not even have had much of a Christmas. Organizing an event that has grown to this magnitude is a tremendous undertaking that involves fundraising, putting the bikes together and lots of coordination.

Everyone involved with Dickess and Advance should be commended for their efforts. The many sponsors deserve credit as well.

The holidays are certainly a time of need. This includes the physical ones — food, shelter, warm clothes — but also emotional needs. No one should underestimate how important these bicycles are to the kids who received them.

Despite any of the other challenges going on in their lives, they’re now ready to ride and simply be children.