The goal was to assemble 700 bicycles this year, honoring the late Scott Campbell of Waste Connections, who came up with the idea to provide as many children as possible the gift of a bicycle every Christmas season
Paul Valencia
Clark County Today
A promise made 15 years ago is continuing in 2025, thanks to more than 100 volunteers who were inspired by a man who wanted to make sure that any child who wanted one could receive a bicycle for Christmas.
On Saturday, those volunteers showed up at the Clark County Event Center to assemble hundreds of bicycles. Those bikes will be delivered to various charities in Clark County, to be distributed to youth throughout the region before Christmas.
That is what makes the Scott Campbell Christmas Promise Bike Build, supported by Waste Connection, so special.
“It is the 15th anniversary of the Scott Campbell Christmas promise,” said Cyndi Holloway, community affairs director for Waste Connections. “Every year we try to build more. We are here to kick off the holidays and give kids bikes.”
Campbell was a longtime employee of Waste Connections. He started the Bike Build 15 years ago with 100 bicycles and 20 volunteers. Campbell passed away seven years ago, but his promise continues.
“We all promised, no matter what, we’d always have a Bike Build,” Holloway said.
Volunteers gathered around 9 a.m. on Saturday and were welcomed with free coffee, snacks, plus entertainment provided by a D.J with holiday music. Rally the Raptor of Ridgefield Raptors fame showed up to give high-fives to volunteers. There was also a dancing raccoon. Oh, and of course, Santa Claus.
Holloway gave the crowd a pep talk.
“I can’t begin to tell you how much we appreciate you being here and kicking off the holiday season. I promised myself I wouldn’t cry, but I’m gonna cry,” Holloway said. “I can’t thank everybody enough. Thank you for spending your Saturday morning with us. Thank you for making a promise come true with a bicycle under a tree for Christmas.
“We’ve got 700 bikes to build. Let’s go!”
