Millersville Police Dept. donates bikes for Penn Manor students

An effort to supply bicycles to Penn Manor students in need got a major boost when the Millersville Police Department agreed to donate more than a dozen bikes to the program.

That brings the total of donated bikes to more than 40, thanks to the generosity of the police department, community members and local businesses.

The effort began earlier this summer when Wendy Letavic, English Language Development coordinator for the school district, learned that several of her students had no way to get to an English as a Second Language program in August.

Letavic sent out an email to the high school staff explaining the need for bicycles and asking for donations. That email resulted in four bikes, some of them in need of major repairs.

One of her students, Josenlly Martinez, volunteered to repair the bikes; he is now assisted by a second student, John Martinez.

Initially, 20 bikes were given mainly to high school students. As word spread, more donations came in, and bikes are now going to Penn Manor students at all grade levels.

The police department heard about the program and agreed to donate 10 to 15 bikes that were recovered in the borough but never claimed by their owners. The first group of bikes was delivered to students on Aug. 7.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the Millersville Borough Police Department,” said Letavic. “The bikes are being received by the students with a tremendous amount of gratitude, and hugs!”

If you would like to donate a bike or helmet, contact Wendy Letavic at wendy.letavic@pennmanor.net or at 717-475-5906.

Many thanks to the police, businesses and community members that have made this effort such a success!