LOS ANGELES, CA – 150 Mayo Elementary students received new bikes thanks to the Los Angeles Chargers Impact Fund and Pechanga. Second and third grade students were called to the school’s cafeteria for what they thought was an essay awards ceremony. Instead, waiting for them were LA Charger players Khalil Mack, DeAndre Carter, Cameron Dicker and Morgan Fox who, along with the Bikes for Kids Foundation, helped surprise them with new bicycles, helmets and locks.
“We are so honored to partner with the Los Angeles Chargers again this year to give bikes to these deserving kids,” said Andrew Masiel, Sr., President of the Pechanga Development Corporation. “A bike is one of the best gifts a child can get. Kids need the chance to be kids, to get out and explore and enjoy the outdoors. We are always committed to giving back and happy to do it alongside the LA Chargers.”
The bikes were purchased through the Chargers Impact Fund with funds gifted by Pechanga. This is the 18th consecutive year the Chargers have partnered with the Bikes for Kids Foundation to give away bicycles to elementary school students.
“It’s awesome. It’s great to have partners like Pechanga help us make an impact in a kid’s life,” said Cameron Dicker, Chargers’ kicker. “It’s really fun to see the kids light up around the holidays. One of the teachers was about to cry when one of the kids told her, ‘I think I’m going to give this to my little brother for Christmas.’ It’s one of those moments that melts your heart.”
“My favorite part of our job is the influence and impact we can make on these little kids’ lives and being able to give back. That’s my favorite part,” said DeAndre Carter, Chargers’ wide receiver. “It was an incredible day giving all these kids a bike. Hats off to Pechanga and the Chargers for putting this together.”
“… to think [Pechanga] would come here and take time to be part of a celebration for [our students]… it will have a huge impact on them,” said Fleming Robinson, Principal of Augusta A. Mayo Elementary School. “And the Chargers… those people they see on TV are now part of a celebration they’ll remember forever. Every time they get on that bike, they’re going to remember Pechanga and the Chargers.”
