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L to r: Ottis Jones and Henry O’Neal on refurbished bicycles.
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by Pam Waters
Not everyone can be Santa Claus, but Henry O’Neal and his faithful elf (assistant Ottis Jones) have found a way to brighten children’s lives this holiday season.
Thanks to their “scrounging up” of a dozen or so old discarded bicycles, they’ve been able to bring new life to several of these so as to be able to surprise boys and girls who might have a bicycle on their wish list.
“Most of them are bicycles no one else wanted; some were pure junk, but some still had usable parts on them we could put on another bicycle. We’ve replaced seats, tubes, tires, pedals, wheels, chains, and made some modifications of our own,” said the 82-year-old Henry, who even added colorful tassels on the ends of the handlebars.
The bicycles still are sporting their brand names, such as Murray, Roadmaster, Huffy, Next, Western Flyer, and even a Schwinn among the group.
Glennville Police Chief Mickey Anderson donated several unclaimed bicycles that had been recovered, after they had been held for 90 days and not claimed.
“It’s a wonderful thing that local kids will be able to benefit from Henry and Ottis’ generosity of time and their ingenuity in replacing these bicycles,” said Chief Anderson.
“I want to thank ALCO for their support of some of the supplies,” said Henry, who added he has about 15 bicycles almost ready for delivery, both for boys and girls, in various ages.
“This is our second year, and we hope to expand, so before you throw out that bicycle, remember the wonders we might could do with it and what it would mean to a child whose parents simply can’t afford a new bicycle,” said Henry.
Although some of the bicycles already have destinations for Santa, other bicycles may be available if you are aware of a child whose parents are not able to grant this wish for them this year. Call The Sentinel at 654-2515 if you know of a needy child who would like a bicycle or if you have a bicycle to donate.
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