The annual Bikes for Tykes drive has a simple mission: making Christmas merrier for youngsters. Each year hundreds of new bicycles are donated so that children in families facing economic difficulties won’t have to go without bikes.

In recent weeks, individuals, businesses and organizations have arranged for bikes to be dropped off at the showroom of Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota. The accumulation of hundreds of these two-wheelers now on display there will gladden many young hearts this Christmas.

This worthy project has received strong backing from many businesses and groups in our community as well as numerous individuals.

Just about everyone can relate to how important having a bicycle is to a young person growing to adulthood. That’s why so many people go out of their way to help make certain that no one is denied those special memories because times are hard economically for their families.

The bikes will soon be distributed to needy kids by Operation Christmas and Upper Des Moines Opportunity.

The Messenger applauds this important charitable undertaking. We salute the many people in our area who help make this endeavor a spectacular success year after year.