The "Wheels for Kids" program was started in 2002 by Commissioner Sheehan after school bus routes from Reeves Terrace to several downtown schools were cancelled due to budget cuts by the Orange County School Board.  The program started with the financial generosity of sponsors Baker Barrios Architects, CitiSpace Orlando, Olde Town Brokers, Historic Creations, Urban Life Management Restaurant Group, Workscapes, Inc. and Massey Communications, along with Toys R Us work together to ensure those children in need have brand new bikes, new helmets and bike locks and chains to travel safely to and from school as an annual commitment.  In 2008, GAI Consultants, Inc. stepped in and joined our other wonderful sponsors and, in 2009, we were happy to welcome Brasfield & Gorrie as a new sponsor.

"These students deserve the best our community can give them," says Commissioner Sheehan.  "I am very excited to be part of this great local effort and these dedicated sponsors to provide a safe means of travel to school for these wonderful children."

Along with the generous, corporate sponsors who purchase the bicycles, helmets, bike locks and chains, Commissioner Sheehan works with the outstanding men and women of the Orlando Fire Department, Station 1, who assemble the 90-95 bicycles every year.  After they're assembled, they are stored and then delivered to the children on the back of OFD Engines and Towers with Santa Claus and Commissioner Sheehan in tow for delivery in a procession led by Orlando Police Department's Mounted Unit and Orlando Fire Department's Engine and Tower trucks.  In 2010, the bicycles were distributed on December 22nd and was the ninth year Commissioner Sheehan and our corporate partners gave away brand new bikes.  And, as of that year, nearly 900 new bikes had been given away in the Reeves Terrace public housing community to children ranging in ages 5-15.

 

9th Annual Wheels for Kids (2010)
8th Annual Wheels for Kids (2009)
7th Annual Wheels for Kids (2008)
6th Annual Wheels for Kids (2007)
5th Annual Wheels for Kids (2006)
4th Annual Wheels for Kids (2005)