Jupiter Light Lodge’s 2023 Annual Holiday Bicycle Donation
Saturday December 16, 2023 the holiday spirit was in the air as parents and kids of various ages from pre-school to middle school lined up under cloudy skies at the Banner Lake Community Center in Hobe Sound to receive a very special holiday gift – a brand new bicycle donated by the Jupiter Light Lodge. And the cold rain didn’t stop members from spreading the joy. “Every kid deserves a bike,” said incoming Grand Master Dave Watjen. “Our members have been working on this project since early spring. “For us, it’s not just about giving a gift, it’s about spreading joy and helping parents as well,” he said.
The lodge works with the local Walmart in Jupiter to purchase bicycles and helmets for underprivileged kids in various communities. The team at Walmart take things a step further and put all the bikes together in time for Christmas.
This year the Lodge decided to do the Annual Holiday Bicycle Donation to the community of Banner Lake in Hobe Sound, Florida. “This is a great event, and everyone around here is very appreciative of the Jupiter Light Lodge for making this happen,” said Sarissa Portanova, who volunteered at the event and writes for the local newspaper.
Overall, 129 bicycles and helmets were given out.
“This event is always a highlight of our year. It’s a great opportunity for our lodge to give back to the community and make a bunch of kids very happy at Christmas,” said Treasurer Tom Weber. “Every member feels the rewards of giving, especially when we see a kid’s smile light up the room when they get their bike.”
The event is funded entirely by the Jupiter Light Lodge No. 340. To learn more or talk to us about a charity event or volunteering contact us.
