02 Jun 2024 Wish for Wheels and Walmart partner to give bikes in Searcy

Second-grade students at Sidney Deener Elementary School in Searcy were treated to shiny new bicycles on April 24 as part of the Wish for Wheels program.

Wish for Wheels is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower children, families and communities through the gift of a new bike and helmet. The bicycle donation in Searcy was a partnership with the Walmart Distribution Center in the city. Approximately 30 Walmart associates volunteered to assemble the brand-new bicycles, put each child’s name on one and then distributed them to all second graders to take home and enjoy. The 100 students also received bicycle helmets to stay safe as they ride. The students received their bicycles in the elementary school gymnasium.

“Parents have been so excited, they can’t believe that they’re getting to take home a free bicycle, so it has been such a celebration this afternoon at Sidney Deener,” said Principal Jeff Graham. 

“We’re very proud of our partnership with Wish for Wheels, Walmart, our teachers and parents who have made this possible. We can’t thank them all enough!”

Brad Appel, founder of Wish for Wheels, attended the event. He created the nonprofit in 2004.

“Wish for Wheels gives new bikes and helmets to second-graders in Title 1 schools. We do this through corporate philanthropy with amazing companies like Walmart, who fund, build and give the bikes to kids in their communities. We work with any company in the U.S. and would love to come to your neighborhood to give bikes to kids,” Appel said.

Michael Lindsey, Walmart’s director of public affairs and government relations, said the company is excited about the donation to Sidney Deener Elementary School.

“We always want to give back to the communities we serve, and this is a fun way to do that, he said.”