Dale Malone, volunteers steer 251 new bikes to Community Stanta program for needy children

Community Santa Bikes

Community Santa coordinator Carol McMillin shares a hug with Dale Malone, owner of Daisy Dukes & Cowboy Boots, at the organization’s office in the State Fair Shopping Center on Tuesday after Malone dropped off a final batch of donations intended for this year’s bicycle drive. Malone spearheaded this year’s effort, collecting enough donations to buy 251 bicycles for children whose families are participating in the Community Santa gift distribution.

Community Santa Bikes

Malone, right, and McMillin, center, chat with Gary Griffin, a Community Santa volunteer who leads up the crew that assembles new bikes once they are purchased.

Community Santa Bikes

Community Santa volunteers Kim Rimel, right, and Judy Walton pack up a collection of overstocked baby dolls after filling bags of Christmas gifts during the first day of toy distribution for the annual charity event which supplies Christmas gifts and food to area needy families, the disabled and the elderly.