Marin Firefighters Donate More Bikes To Wildfire Victims

MARIN COUNTY, CA – Firefighters in Marin County will soon surpass their goal of giving more than 1,000 bicycles to people affected by the North Bay wildfires.

Firefighters from Marin County Fire, Mill Valley Fire and Southern Marin Fire departments will pick up 210 new bikes donated from nonprofit Turning Wheels for Kids Saturday afternoon in San Jose. The firefighters, associated with the International Association of Firefighters Local 1775, will deliver the bikes between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 10 to a warehouse by the Highway 12 Winery & Vineyards at 21481 Eighth St. in east Sonoma.

The bikes will be given to adults and children with addresses listed as destroyed on the official damage inspection report from Cal Fire.

"Even though the fires are out, the fire service family is not done supporting the relief efforts," said Battalion Chief Bret McTigue of Marin County Fire.

Firefighter Mike Coleman of Southern Marin Fire has spearheaded the bike drive for four years, raising funds for bicycles and collecting used bikes for kids during the holiday season.

In the past, bicycles have gone to children in Marin County. With so many families affected by the wildfires in neighboring counties, this year firefighters decided to donate bikes to kids impacted by the fires. The bike drive kicked off mid-October, when a GoFundMe campaign was also launched.

To date, the online fundraising campaign has raised $5,685.

"It's pretty cool to see the community come together," Coleman said at the start of the campaign, adding that he hoped to donate 1,000 bikes to children.

That goal will be surpassed with the 210 new bikes being donated from Turning Wheels for Kids. Earlier in November, firefighters delivered about 900 bikes to kids and adults in Santa Rosa.

New and donated bikes may be dropped off at any Marin County, Mill Valley or Southern Marin Fire station. To donate money, visit the GoFundMe page.

Novato-based Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has set a company goal of raising $15,000 for bikes and helmets, and will also match up to $5,000 in public donations. The company has so far raised more than $6,800. All funds will be used to purchase bikes or helmets.

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Photo via Marin County