OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - The Salvation Army is kicking things into high gear, long before the holidays even begin. The organization is peddling towards getting children in need something at the top of nearly every child's wish list.
For the Salvation Army, Christmas actually starts in July with the Buck$ for Bikes campaign.
"We want to be prepared to support the families who are in need the best way possible," said Annie Perkins with the Salvation Army.
This is a summertime collection for children supported through the Angel Tree program, when secret shoppers fulfill the wish lists of children in need.
"Last year, we served over 400 kids alone," said Perkins.
Perkins said those lists typically include clothing, coats, and of course expensive bikes. The wish for bicycles usually goes unfulfilled.
"They're having to choose between providing them with new clothes, other items on their wish list," said Perkins.
To make the Christmas magic happen the Salvation Army has put out countertop kettles at local businesses. The donations will go straight towards new bicycles, which the Salvation Army gets a pretty good deal on.
"They come to us unassembled and then we partner with the Oklahoma Bicycle Society, who sends volunteers actually inspect and assemble each bike for us," said Perkins.
FedEx provides the free freight and stores the bikes for however long the Salvation Army needs help. All the bikes, in different colors and sizes, take up a whole warehouse.
"We just look forward to making this Christmas wishes come true this year for the children," said Perkins.
If you happen to see a countertop kettle at one of these local businesses, know the Salvation Army is peddling towards holiday cheer.
To learn more about the Salvation Army's 2024 Buck$ for Bikes, visit give.salvationarmyaok.org.
