Naval Base Kitsap Sailors were able to provide their children with a big two-wheeled surprise for Christmas, a bicycle.  The Salvation Army donated 40 bikes to NBK for the Sailors to pick up and bring to their children on Dec. 16.

Chaplain Lt. Lonnie Scott, NBK Chapel, rounded up 15 volunteers from the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) to help put together the bicycles.  Over several hours, the Sailors assembled each of the 40 bikes in a team fashion, and then delivered them to the back of Bldg. 1100 for distribution.

Sailors that received the bikes were chosen by their Leading Chief Petty Officer’s (LCPO) based on what they knew of their Sailors family. Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW) Eugene Westgate, NBK Security, has five children, and thanks to the Salvation Army’s generosity, each received their very own bicycle for Christmas.

“My kids will lose their minds,” said Westgate of his children’s reaction. “During the holidays some things are forgotten and there are other priorities, and bikes are more of a summertime toy. My kids have wanted bikes for some time now so this is just incredible.”

The Salvation Army has given out gifts and toys to children since they arrived in Bremerton in 1920. However, they have only given bikes away for the past three years. Maj. Marcia Baker, Bremerton Salvation Army, said that since they’ve started giving bikes to Sailors with children, her biggest thrill is seeing the tears of thankfulness from the families.

“We are well aware that Sailors do not make a lot of money and that it is a struggle for them to provide a good Christmas for their families,” said Baker. “We just want them to knew that we appreciate them and want them to feel welcome in [Kitsap County].” The bikes given away had pedal brakes and just one speed for boys and girls ages 7-13, although there were a few smaller bikes for younger kids just in case they were needed. 

According to Scott, there are multiple reasons for participating in an event like this. “Overall, there is a great deal of satisfaction for all involved knowing that your efforts are helping to make some children’s and therefore a lot of families Christmas a lot better.” Scott also said that during the assembly of the bicycles, no one uttered a negative word. “Somehow when you’re bettering other people’s lives you’re in a positive frame of mind.”

Thus far, Scott said he has only spoken with one Sailor who received bikes, and he had tears in his eyes. His family was hit hard financially and thus his two kids weren’t going to be receiving much for Christmas, so the bikes helped very much.

For everyone involved, the smiles and gratitude is what donating your time for Christmas is all about, “making people happy,” said Baker.