Photo Opportunity: Police Offer Bikes and Riding Lessons to Children at Annual Charity Event

Washington University Police Department Partners to Distribute Bicycles and Gifts to Local Children

The Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) Police Department, in collaboration with the St. Louis Police Foundation and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s North Patrol Division, is set to hold a charitable event aimed at supporting local children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. On December 22, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the WashU Athletic Complex will serve as the venue for this initiative, where approximately 85 children from Camp Sunsplash will receive free bicycles and gifts.

This annual event exemplifies community involvement and outreach, particularly in a time when many families are still facing recovery challenges following the devastating tornado that occurred in mid-May. Camp Sunsplash, a free summer camp located in Fairground Park, has served as an essential resource for lower-income families, offering children a chance to engage in recreational activities while developing vital life skills.

Police Chief Angela Coonce, who has a longstanding commitment to this cause, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. “This event is my favorite day of the year,” Coonce remarked. “For a lot of children, this will be their first bike, so our bike officers size each bike and teach them how to ride right here.” Coonce’s dedication to this initiative reflects her extensive background with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, where she has built relationships that have fostered significant support from the community and the WashU family.

In addition to providing bicycles, the event will also focus on educating children about bike safety, an essential component of promoting safe riding practices. Officers will participate directly, ensuring that the children are not only equipped with a new means of transportation but also with the knowledge required to use it safely.

Camp Director Velma Bailey, a longtime resident of north St. Louis, founded Camp Sunsplash to empower youth within the community by offering them opportunities to have fun, develop leadership skills, and immerse themselves in St. Louis culture.

This year’s initiative is part of a broader effort to support families affected by recent natural disasters, and Coonce, along with volunteers, has solicited donations of clothing, shoes, gifts, bicycles, and helmets to enhance the experience for the children involved.

For those interested in attending or seeking more information about the event, WashU Police Chief Angela Coonce will be available for interviews on-site. For further inquiries, please contact the WashU Police Department at 314-935-5555.

This endeavor not only underscores WashU’s commitment to community service but also exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing the needs of local families.