Hampton Roads ILA Locals, Hampton Roads District Council and Hampton Roads Shipping Association Bring Christmas Joy To Area Youths With New Bicycles

December 19, 2019 – Remember the joy we felt those Christmas mornings when we woke up and found a shiny new bicycle next to the Christmas tree?

ILA Locals 970, 1248, 1624 and 1970, together with the Hampton Roads District Council and contributions from the Hampton Roads Shipping Association are making that Christmas magic a reality for 175 youngsters from seven schools in and around the Hampton Roads communities.

2019 marks the fifth year the ILA in Hampton Roads has organized its “Make a Kid Smile for Christmas Bike Drive” raising funds with employers to deliver new bicycles to less fortunate children whose families may be unable to afford this special gift.

Three large trucks delivered the 175 bicycles this week where Christmas came early for scores of happy children.

“Wow, the ILA once again put some big smiles on some needy kids’ faces,” said Johnathan Coley, President, ILA Local 970 one of many ILA members to help distribute the bicycles.