Men on a Mission to host 3rd annual Holiday Toy Giveaway and Bike Drive at C.W. Heath Park on Saturday

ALBANY, Ga. – One group is getting ready for their third annual Holiday Toy and Bike Drive on Saturday here at C.W. Heath Park, where they’re looking to make an impact on up to a thousand local kids.

The group is known as Men on a Mission.

And, Saturday is their third annual Holiday Toy and Bike Drive.

Co-Chairman, Bernard Chamberlain says doing this comes from a very special place.

“Listen, we were all kids. And, there was nothing more exciting than having a brand new, shiny bicycle on Christmas Day. And, we hope to impact hundreds of kids in a couple of days, actually tomorrow,” said Bernard Chamberlin, Co-Chairman, Men on a Mission of Albany.

The toy drive was started in 2020 amid covid concerns, and three years on after the public health emergency, Bernard believes it’s still important to give a gift to kids to get them outside.

“…Kids are engaged in so much violence, so much crime, so much mischief. And, what we’re trying to do is get them back to just the fundamentals of playing. Getting out, riding a bicycle and having fun,” said Chamberlain.

Men on a Mission’s been working throughout the year to amass a surplus of bicycles to give away Saturday.

With the bikes being donated by community partners and sponsors.

Showing how committed they are to wanting to make an impact on kids’ lives in Albany.

“Well…what it means is that we’re all invested in this community. And, we’re all invested in the children in this community. We want to make this a better place to live, and a safe place to live,” said Chamberlain.

And, even with less than a day before the big event, men on a mission are still accepting any bike donations.

“Well it’s not too late if you want to participate and donate…But either way if you want to participate, go to Wal-Mart, go to Target. Purchase a bicycle, reach out to us, we’ll come and pick it up, and get it delivered to the park tomorrow so some needy kid will get it,” said Chamberlain.

For Men on a Mission, Saturday is a chance to truly make a difference in the lives of kids and help give them the gift of being able to have fun outside.

The toy and bike drive will take place at C.W. Heath Park starting at Noon on Saturday.

You can contact Men on a Mission through their Facebook page if you’re interested in donating.

Brian Roche reporting.

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