John F. Kennedy once wrote, “Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.” But for many children with physical and intellectual limitations, it is not that simple. Enter SoCal Trykers (https://socaltrykers.wixsite.com/ambucs), an incredible group of physical and occupational therapists whose mission is to “encourage participation in activities that promote independence, social interaction, mobility, strength, self-esteem and quality of life, by assisting people in obtaining Amtryke adaptive tricycles, through fundraising and volunteer efforts.” These “trykes” can cost up to $1,000 each and are often out of reach for low-income families.
Since 2016, Trial Lawyers’ Charities has been a major sponsor of SoCal Trykers, providing more than 180 adaptive tricycles. It started when LATLC made a small grant to SoCal Trykers for three new bikes. When board members attended the presentation at Cal State Long Beach, past President Minh Nguyen said, “Three is not enough” – and the Great Tryke Giveaway was born.
As soon as OCTLC started in 2020, SoCal Trykers was one of the first partner charities for children in Orange County.
These trykes are so important to the kids, LATLC started the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament to specifically purchase them during the pandemic when traditional fundraising events were impossible. For OCTLC, funds for the bikes are raised during the Annual Charity Roast.
Each year the Great Tryke Giveaway grows, and we now host a joyous joint party with crafts, food, and activities for the families. There is a parade where each tryke recipient is featured and celebrated. The Long Beach Beauties (https://www.facebook.com/longbeachbeauties/), a wonderful special needs cheer squad, will again root the kids on, along with about 50-75 LATLC and OCTLC volunteers.
While the children are getting their final tryke adjustments, the volunteers are kept busy assembling 1,000 (YES, 1,000!) toiletry kits for those experiencing housing insecurity. This year all the kits will be donated to U.S. Vets (https://usvets.org/) whose mission is to end veteran homelessness through housing, counseling, career development and comprehensive support. The toiletry kits will be distributed for use by U.S. Vets in both Los Angeles for LATLC and in Orange County for OCTLC.
The Great Tryke Giveaway is one of the most popular LATLC and OCTLC volunteer activities. Join us on Saturday, July 27 (8 am to noon) at the Bancroft Middle School in Long Beach by signing up today (https://www.latlc.org/volunteer-events). There are a few limited sponsorships still available (https://TRYKE24.givesmart.com).
