With the holiday season upon us, most of us can’t help but be reminded of holiday memories from our childhood. For Miramar Beach resident Bill MacBride, the best gift he ever found under his tree was a new, shiny bicycle.

“Being able to join my friends around the neighborhood on their bikes was amazing,” said MacBride. “It was my first taste of independence.”

That special memory — along with a desire to give back to the community — led Bill to create the Bikes for Tots Foundation, a non-profit organization that’s raising money to purchase new bikes for needy children this holiday season.

Shortly after the Bikes for Tots Foundation was created, Robin’s Bikes and Fitness in Miramar Beach got on board as a partner.

“It’s a simple idea – that every child should know the pure joy of bike riding,” said Robin Wilkes, owner of Robin’s Bikes and Fitness.

Donations are being collected at Robin’s Bikes and Fitness at 11166 Emerald Coast Pkwy in Miramar Beach, or online at www.bikesfortotsfoundation.com. An $80 donation will cover the cost of an entire bike, but donations in any amount are appreciated. Donations are being accepted through December 20, 2012 and 100% of funds raised will be used for purchasing bikes for under-privileged children in our area.