By Olivia Neeley
olivia@wilsontimes.com | 252-265-7879
Dozens of children lined up outside the dining room doors in anticipation of a Christmas dinner. But they could never guess what was about to happen next.
“It took a lot of donations and a lot of caring people to pull this off,” Chon Ferrell, Boys and Girls Club’s executive director, told the children. “When you walk in, each of you will have a gift.”
When staff finally opened the doors Friday, the children ran inside. That’s when their mouths dropped. They couldn’t believe it.
“That’s the best bike I’ve ever seen,” said 6-year-old Christian Jones, who couldn’t stop smiling. “I will ride my bike every day.”
Christian was one of more than 50 Boys and Girls Club members who each received a new bicycle for Christmas thanks to a generous donation from Wilson Preparatory Academy’s National Honor Society and National Beta Club members. Earlier in the week, students picked out $1,500 worth of bikes for children at the Boys and Girls Club. The community service project aimed to help those in need during the holiday season.
“We are very proud of these scholars who took time to make a different in their peers’ lives through this act of kindness,” said Daryl Woodard, Wilson Prepratory Academy founder and director.
‘BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT EVER’
Eight-year-old Mariah Ellis could barely could contain her excitement either.
“I was so surprised when I walked in,” she said. “All those bikes where in a big pile. As soon as I saw them, I wanted to go over there and ride them.”
Ferrell said when she received the call from the charter school about the donation, she sat in her office and cried tears of joy.
She said knowing the children were blessed with a big Christmas present this year warmed her heart. She said the Boys and Girls Club is grateful to those who made it possible.
“When they walked in and you saw their faces, it was priceless,” Ferrell said. “That is the best Christmas gift ever.”
Parker’s Barbecue and the Salvation Army provided a Christmas meal for the children on Friday.