WHEELING, W.Va. — A new donation will help put more bicycle helmets into the hands of children across West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle.
The Wheeling Elks Lodge No. 28 recently donated $1,000 to the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program to purchase bicycle helmets for children who need them.
The donation provided four cases of helmets in a variety of sizes and colors. The helmets will be distributed to children throughout Ohio and Marshall counties as part of ongoing efforts to promote bicycle safety.
Officials with the Highway Safety Program said partnerships with community organizations are essential because grant funding cannot be used to purchase certain safety items, including bicycle helmets.
Representatives from the Wheeling Elks Lodge said supporting local youth and helping keep children safe is an important part of the organization’s mission. They noted the donation was made possible through the generosity of lodge members and community supporters.
The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program hopes the helmets will encourage safe riding habits at an early age while helping prevent serious injuries among young cyclists.
