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Shayleigh Pray, 7, of Medford got her bike from a secret Santa last year who organizes the delivery of dozens of free bikes to kids in need. Her stepmom, MaryAnn Pray, is at left. (Mail Tribune / Jim Craven)Hundreds of free bicycles are on their way to local children, including a few who could find ribboned bikes on their doorsteps this Christmas.
An anonymous donor on Wednesday delivered about 200 bicycles to local schools and social service offices again this year. The charity evolved from the man's love of "doorbell-ditching" presents on porches in the poorest parts of town.
"We knock on the door, and we run like heck," said the man who has insisted numerous times that he remain unidentified. "That's funner than a train wreck."
The man's six children joined in the fun, with the understanding that they were receiving fewer gifts just so they could give some away. Four years ago, they accompanied their dad to his Santa's workshop of sorts, assembling dozens of new bicycles for children who otherwise wouldn't receive one for Christmas. Wrapped up with a red bow, every bike comes with a helmet.
"It's a snowball effect that kept growing," the donor said.
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"I thought it was really cool," she said. "It's my favorite color, too."
Too expensive for her family to purchase, the gift came by way of Jackson County public health nurses, who work with the Prays to ensure their children are properly nourished and cared for.
"I thought it was awesome," said Shayleigh's stepmother, Maryanne Pray.
Like ol' St. Nick, the bicycle benefactor makes a list each year with hundreds of children's names. He checks it twice to make sure he has enough bikes for every girl and boy in appropriate colors and styles. All the bikes are spoken for and designated via a screening process to make sure they won't be sold, said Robin Turgesen, a county public health nurse.
More than 60 bicycles are bound for special education students at Phoenix-Talent, Central Point and Eagle Point schools. Santa's helpers will "doorbell-ditch" another 10 or so bikes along with bags of toys in west Medford and White City sometime before Christmas.
"You never know how generous your neighbor can be," the donor said.
The entire effort required about $8,000 in private donations, with a discount from a local retailer. A group of about 22 friends assembles the bikes in a big, annual party. No one wants any recognition, the ringleader said. Doing a good deed without looking for commendation is what the season's all about, he added.
"It's an outpouring of generosity."
Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail slemon@mailtribune.com.
