Rich Johnson/Special to the Nevada Appeal Capitol Police officers and Wal-Mart combined efforts to donate 14 bicycles to the Eagle Valley Children's Home. From left, Capitol Police Cpl. Randy Smith, Donna Clarke of the Eagle Valley Children's Home, Cpl. Sam Logan, Officer Robert Gagen and Chief Brad Valladon.
Families of some of Nevada's most severely developmentally disabled children will get bicycles this year thanks the contributions by Nevada's Capitol Police officers.
The program was started four years ago and this year's 14 bicycles bring the total number of bikes given to area children to 68.
Donna Clarke, recreation director for the Eagle Valley Children's Home, said many of the home's residents are too disabled to ride a bike, but that the two-wheelers can be given to their siblings. The home has 17 residents.
Clarke said state workers there also provide services to a significant number of disabled youngsters who are being cared for by their families. Some of them, too, would be eligible for bikes under the program.
Although the facility at the north end of Carson City is called the children's home, its clients range from 13 to over 40.
"We don't kick them out when they're 18," she said.
Capitol Police Chief Brad Valladon said he was proud of the officers who donated toward the purchase of the bikes, "particularly at a time like this when they reach out to brighten Christmas morning for those who need a little extra help."
And he pointed out the donations went a lot further in buying bikes and helmets because Wal-Mart provided significant discounts to the project.