5000 bikes given away to kids in need

PHOENIX - Lines of people stood in the rain outside Phoenix First Church in North Phoenix Saturday morning.  In doing so, they were able to make their children's Christmas wish a reality.

"Christmas wouldn't have been possible without this," said Jan Webb, who brought two children to the event to receive bikes.   She is a family friend of the two girls whose families are facing hard times.  "We are so grateful."

A total of 5000 bikes were given away to kids in need and kids in foster care.

The bikes were donated from an anonymous donor, who started the tradition 20 years ago with a donation of 50 bikes and the event has grown each year.

"It might be the only bikes these kids ever receive," said Pastor Aaron Dunn. 

This year the give-away comes at a time where people may need it most. 

As volunteers helped handed out bikes, the tragedy in Connecticut was still at the forefront of their minds.

"Its like therapy for us to shine a light on the good things in our community, " he said.