Dozens of children in Lompoc recently rode away with smiles and new bikes after a special visit with Santa as part of the 17th annual Brice Fabing Memorial Bikes for Kids holiday drive.
Since 2006, bikes and helmets have been donated by the Lompoc community in December and gifted to underprivileged children in the community.
According to Dorine Fabing, over 125 bikes and helmets were collected this holiday season.
The bike drive was started by the Fabing family to honor the memory of Brice Fabing, their son, a former Lompoc High School student and athlete who in 2005 at age 17 was killed in a vehicle accident.
“What a blessing to be able to continue in his memory,” Dorine Fabing said.
Children and their families recently picked up new bikes and helmets from a special visitor — Santa (Gabe Garcia) — in time for Christmas.
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Local organizations and agencies whose clients received a bike and helmet include Community Action Commission, local farm workers, Catholic church, Lompoc Lompoc Valley Baptist Church, Lompoc Boys and Girls Club, and the Lompoc City Fire Department Toys for Tots program. Others served were associated with Good Samaritan, Mark’s House, Bridge House-shelter, and the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers unit.
The Fabing family thanked all who donated bikes, such as the City of Lompoc Employees Development Association, Kiwanis Club, Floriano’s Restaurant, and Kenny Agbodike from First Valley Baptist. Additional bikes were donated in memory of Samuel Ramirez, son of Christina Rameriz, who recently passed away.
The Fabing family also acknowledged the Erin Keller family, Lali Taporco family, Lesa Keasler and Terrill Family, Garcia Family, and the Barrato family, for building the bikes.
“It was a lot of work but these elves got it done,” Dorine Fabing said.
The family thanked all who participated to make the holiday drive a success.
“Our family feels so blessed to get the support to help others in our community in need,” Dorine Fabing said. “We have a very special community, and I know Brice was so proud to be from Lompoc!”
