The memory of first climbing onto a shiny new bike and riding down the driveway, quickly gaining speed and excitement, is a joyous day for a child. The Forgotten Children’s Fund, M-Bar-C Ranch and the Island Wings Goldwing Motorcycle Club are giving 30 new bikes with helmets to deserving children.

The bikes were donated by KMPS-FM country radio station. Bike sizes range from toddler to teen. Rather than keep the bikes stored for use at the ranch, they decided to give the bikes to children.

The recipients will be chosen based on letters explaining the child’s need for a new bike. Letters need to be postmarked by July 19. Children who don’t have the financial opportunity to have their own bike or who need a larger-sized bike, among other reasons, will be chosen. Recipients will be notified by July 30 and the bikes will be presented to the children on Aug. 10 at the M-Bar-C Ranch in Freeland.

The M-Bar-C Ranch serves children disadvantaged by physical, mental, emotional and financial needs.

“At the ranch, kids get the ranch experience,” said ranch director Bill O’Brien.

Children enjoy wearing costumes around a cowboy town and eating a cowboy lunch of hotdogs and chips. There’s also horse riding and plenty of space to play around and just be a kid in this day-camp atmosphere. Visits are free. A large volunteer corps at the M-Bar-C Ranch makes this possible.

The ranch is owned and operated by the Forgotten Children’s Fund, a charity organization. The Forgotten Children’s Fund started as a Christmas program to give needy children toys and bikes.

The Island Wings Goldwing Motorcycle Club volunteers at various benefit events, including the M-Bar-C Ranch. Members will read the letters and help give out the bikes to the children.

Letters can be sent to P.O. Box 1103, Freeland, WA 98249.

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