Little Something Extra Names ChristmasWithoutCancer Bike Winners

Nick Howlett, 3, climbed atop every bike he could in the Park Schwinn Cyclery in Evergreen Park Monday, while young Leslie Campos pondered a generous selection of floor models, as if to choose a bike that will someday transport her around a college campus in style.

Most days, Nick and Leslie have little in common, but they both frequent Little Something Extra Bakery & Café in their hometown community Oak Lawn, and they both ventured guesses as to how many coffee beans were in the glass jar on the counter. Nick was close, but Leslie was closer, just 16 beans off the actual count.

For two years running, Little Something Extra Bakery has hosted the event with sponsors Christmas Without Cancer, Evergreen Park's United Homeowners Association, Park Schwinn Cyclery and Figel Public Relations in this annual contest that has drawn thousands of guesses and the kind of smiles exclusive to children's faces on Christmas, especially when a bike is placed under a decorated tree.

When Nick got the news he delivered an "Okay," and that was that.

Leslie was doubtful, not quite believing the phone call. In a typical blended mix of "teen angst" Leslie declared her skeptical self "surprised and excited." She calmly volunteered to help in next fall's Christmas Without Cancer 5K.

Park Schwinn Owner John DeBold always hosts the climax of the Park Schwinn Cyclery Christmas contest. With 2019's short lead-up to Christmas, organizers gave contestants (and their parents) an extra week to visit the quaint bakery tucked in the strip mall near Jewel and Clancy's Pizza Pub.

"Usually, the Saturday before Christmas is one of our busiest pick up days, so, I was glad they extended the contest closer to New Year's Day," said DeBold.

DeBold is an expert at fitting kids to bikes, so the long-time shop put the brakes to Nick long enough gauge Nick's growth spurt into spring. Nick was mesmerized by the bell on Leslie’s shiny robin’s egg blue bike. DeBolt popped out a new bell for Nick, who was "looking for adventure" and ready to get out on the highway, or, at least the family sidewalk.

Christmas Without Cancer, an organization started by Gerri Neylon, comes to the rescue of those impacted by cancer so the family can focus on Christmas. The Evergreen Park volunteer group identifies needs and such things as utility bills and mortgage payments, gas, parking and children in need of wrapped presents.

"The bike contest is our way of saying thanks to the surrounding communities because they are so generous in helping local families," said Neylon.

"Our mission includes assessing need and responding, but we can't do that if we don't have the resources that come directly from the generosity of people in Evergreen Park, Morgan Park/Beverly, Mount Greenwood and Oak Lawn."

Neylon reasons Christmas Without Cancer has been a success because "people know their donations are helping people locally, right now" so the family can focus on the spirit in Christmas. The new location in Oak Lawn expands Christmas Without Cancer's reach in efforts to "give back."

For more information: www.ChristmasWithoutCancer.org; littlesomethingextracafe@gmail.com. Park Schwinn Cyclery is located at 3333 West 95th Street in Evergreen Park; 708/422-6738.