AUBURN GRESHAM — A Black-owned foundation established by a husband-and-wife duo is bringing early holiday cheer to the South Side this month.
The Always Giving Back Foundation, the charitable branch of security company AGB Investigative Services, Inc., will host its third annual drive-thru bike giveaway 11 a.m. Saturday at 7545 S. Western Ave.
Neighbors with children living in the 60620 ZIP code, which includes parts of Auburn Gresham, Brainerd and other nearby areas, can visit the giveaway where volunteers will hand out one free bike for children ages 2-10 to the first 200 families.
A valid form of I.D. will be required to receive the bike, which is limited to one per family. It is a drive-thru event to minimize physical contact, but without cars will also be accommodated, organizers said.
Santa Claus is also coming to town early. A Black Santa with candy canes and hot chocolate will also be on-site to greet families and snap photos, organizers said.
The drive-thru holiday celebration was made possible this year thanks to a $5,000 grant from Walmart, leaders at the foundation said.
“I know what it’s like to grow up in a home without disposable income, and bikes aren’t inexpensive,” John Griffin, Jr., CEO of AGB Investigative Services, said in a news release. “It gives me immense joy to put a smile on children’s faces when they see a new bike just for them for Christmas. I am so thrilled that Walmart has worked with us again this year to bring happiness to kids in this community.”