Elves bike gifts 'something from God'

Harrison Park neighborhood gets 1000+ bikes

Maria Diaz happened to see some commotion in her Harrison Park neighborhood on the northwest side of Grand Rapids on Saturday morning. When she realized what was happening, she grabbed her kids and the neighbor's kids and headed out of her house.

Her kids -- and more than 1000 other kids -- all received free bikes in the eighth annual bike giveaway from Elves and More of West Michigan.

"I broke down inside because whether we're trying on the (bike) helmets, that's priceless," Diaz told 24 Hour News 8. "There's no way that we can afford bikes for all these kids. It just got me in that moment."

As soon as the word about the free bikes got out around the neighborhood, the line stretched all around the school.

"It's so exciting to see the look of joy on their face," said Liz Bracken of Elves and More. "(The kids are) anticipating it and it's just the whole surprise. It's so much fun to see those kids wake up and realize that this is their year to get a bike."

Elves and More raised enough money for 1100 bikes. Parents had to register, kids got fitted with a helmet, and as long as they live in the Harrison Park neighborhood or went to school there, everyone between the ages of 4-17 rode home on a brand new bike.

For Diaz and her family, these elves provided a real Christmas treat.

"This is definitely something from God," she said. "Thank you, everybody."