The Rahway Police Department joined forces with the East Jersey State Prison to provide 40 bicycles to local needy children. Bicycles collected by the Rahway Police Department over the course of the year come to the prison in various states of disrepair. It is up to the prisoners to make them seem like they are brand new. The prisoners who volunteered to fix the bikes work in the auto body shop or painting and decorating shop as part of their vocational training.
The program, which is sponsored by the prison and the Rahway Police Department, was continued this holiday season after a successful debut last year. In addition, the Rahway Kiwanis Club donated helmets to be distributed along with the bikes. “It’s a win, win, win – for the kids, the parents or guardians of the kids, and the inmates”, said Kiwanis Club President Bill McCarthy.
The Rahway Police Department’s Community Relations Office is currently seeking corporate sponsorship in developing a youth bicycle helmet program. This program would provide bicycle helmets to local youths who are unable to afford them. For further information, please contact the Community Relations Office at 732/669-3612.