Dismas Helps Gear Up for Children's Bike Drive in Louisville

After donating school supplies and backpacks to Engelhard Elementary last Fall, the Louisville team received an email from School Community Liaison Deris Cox requesting two bicycles for their Annual Bicycle Christmas Drawing.

During the next Community Relations Board Meeting (CRB), the Bicycle Drawing was discussed, and Dismas CEO Ellen Donnarumma quickly pledged support from the Corporate Office for this initiative. CRB Member Marianne Butler then made a donation to Director Sarah Weidner. Portland Director Norton Edmonds also committed to donations from his program. Thanks to Portland's efforts, enough money was raised to purchase 17 bicycles! But, by mid-December, a total of 55 bicycles had been assembled and ready for transport to the School.

Later, a caravan of Santa's Dismas Elves delivered the bikes to the school. Dismas Louisville Director Weidner and Portland's Administrative Assistant, Kim Rowe, along with Regional Vice Presidents Stephen Ricks and Robert Lanning, Assistant Director Destiny Pennerman, Counselor Tori Cobble, and Resident Monitor Kennedy Taylor, transported the bicycles in their trucks and trailers. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful cause!