The REC Center Comes to the Rescue

After a year of saving birthday money and mowing lawns, Anthony Navarro bought himself a $400 Fitbikeco bike. When Navarro got out of class on April 28th, he returned to the bike cage only to find his bike lock cut where his hard-earned bike used to be. With two other locks damaged as well, it is unclear whether or not the young man's bike was thrown over the locked gate or driven out of an unlocked gate. All damaged locks belonged to students with similar bikes to Navarro's. "That seemed to be the target," said Anthony's father, Joe. "I was crushed.. It's a whole different story when your son gets ripped off." Parents contacted The REC Center's Jennifer Araiza about the situation. Araiza has been spending time on the middle school campus for their after-school program. "I felt really disappointed that this would happen on a school campus," she stated. "This isn't the first time that this has happened." Navarro and Araiza both expressed their concern for the safety of the kids and their belongings on campus. "I would like to see the bike cage moved from the outside fence.. Even if it's just 20 feet," Navarro stated. Araiza also alludes to the fact that there is no bus system for the local school and bikes are the kids' main source of transportation. In light of the situation, Jennifer Araiza calls out to the community for help. She posted on her Facebook page, "A couple of things really bother me about this story, however the one thing that I can help influence, is helping a young boy get his bike replaced." So far, Ed Gregor has pledged $100, Habu Ewing has pledged 25% of the bike's cost and Brian Lee has also pledged to contribute. 3ring has also connected The REC Center with an Inland Empire bike shop that will assist The REC Center with the purchase. If you would like to make a contribution, Araiza will be accepting donations on the Terrace Hills Middle School campus from 3-4 p.m. at the After School Invasion or you can also drop off donations at The REC Center. The goal is $200. We're almost there!