Dec 19, 2013 - Working with the Salvation Army, IAFF Local #35 raised $3,500 for it's annual Christmas Bikes program.

For over 10 years, Local #35 has raised money to provide bicycles to needy children for Christmas.  Three years ago, Local #35 partnered with the Salvation Army's Central Arkansas Area Command to participate in their Christmas "Angel Tree" Program.

The Angel Tree Program accepts applications from pre-screened families in Arkansas for Christmas "wish lists" for their children.  A combination of dedicated volunteers and generous contributions from the public are used to make these Christmas dreams come true.  In Arkansas, over 5,000 children will find something under the tree that otherwise would not have been there, thanks to the Angel Tree program!

Local #35 is proud to participate in this program by collecting money specifically earmarked for bicycles; occasionally, we even receive bicycles themselves which are always welcome!  (In 2011, while buying bicycles for the program, a customer in line behind us paid for an extra one right out of the box after she found out what we were doing!  True Christmas spirit!)   We are pleased to say that each succeeding year has seen even greater contributions.

It is important to know that all contributions go directly to the purchase of bicycles!  There are no service charges, administrative fees, etc.  Time, effort and gas used to make all of this happen are contributed by members of IAFF Local #35.

For more information about the Salvation Army's programs, either visit their website HERE or contact Captain Roger Glick with the Salvation Army.