News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Tennessee Tech’s Elinor Ross Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School is sending 40 kids in need home with a new bike.
Executive Director Janet Isbell said the school is a six week summer literacy and enrichment program for K-4 aged kids on free and reduced lunch. Isbell said community support made this idea a reality.
“I just got to thinking, what if we could give them a bike,” Isbell said. “What if we could teach them bike safety and bike maintenance and then give them some time to ride around campus and on the rail trail and then send them home with the bikes.”
Isbell said the Cookeville Police Department donated surplus bikes for staff that were repaired by Caney Fork Cycles. Isbell said bikes were donated by private donors.
“It does take a big community to support this project,” Isbell said. “Because it is all through private donations or through grants. So we appreciate all of the help and are just so thankful for the Cookeville community.”
Isbell said that all 40 kids got a new helmet provided by Outdoor Experience and Caney Fork Cycles. People can donate at tntech.edu/freedomschool to keep this program going for kids in need.
She said each year the school looks for a new item that kids can build a skill around and take home. She said all of the school’s efforts are possible thanks to a generous donation by the late Dr. Elinor Ross.
