ACSO Fundraiser Will Give 400 Bikes To Butte County Fire Victims

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA — The goal was to donate at least 100 new bikes to children affected by the devastating Camp Fire in Butte County. The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and the Deputy Sheriff's Association’s “Bikes for Butte” fundraiser garnered enough cash and donations to hand out 400 new bicycles, helmets and sports equipment in time for Christmas.

“We are pleased to say that the outpouring of support has been overwhelming and inspiring,” Sgt. Ray Kelly said. “We are now at 400 brand new bicycles. Furthermore, we have obtained several thousand dollars in sporting and activity equipment for kids. When we spoke to officials in Butte County they were very moved and excited about the work we have done for the kids.”

The cost for a helmet and bicycle is about $150 per child. The fundraiser collected more than $6,300 since it was launched about two weeks ago.

Employees with the sheriff’s office spent two days assembling the new bikes, which will be taken by commercial transport to Butte County Friday morning.

The Camp Fire began in Butte County on Nov. 8 and quickly spread across 240 square miles killing at least 85 people and displaced thousands more. Most of Paradise was charred within 24 hours. Nearly 19,000 buildings, mostly homes, were destroyed. It was the nation's deadliest and most destructive wildfire in a century. Click here to donate to "Bikes for Butte."

Photos courtesy Alameda County Sheriff’s Office

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