Club Turns Loose Change into Kids’ Bikes

Pickled Pedalers Donate 20 Bikes to Toys for Tots

VIERA, FL) November 8, 2019 – They meet every morning at 7:00 AM to greet the sunrise and ride their bikes and recumbent trikes 7-10 miles inside Indian River Colony Club in Viera, the patriotic community with a culture of giving. But the 29 members of the Pickled Pedalers bicycle club find satisfaction in more than just a great morning ride and camaraderie. Each January, the group members start collecting loose change in mason jar banks, so that by year’s end they can pool their resources to provide bicycles for disadvantaged children. This year, the Pickled Pedalers were happy to help Santa Claus and the Marine Toys for Tot program by purchasing 20 bicycles for boys and girls. This is the third year the group has donated bicycles to Toys for Tots. The Marine Toys for Tots program distributes an average of 18 million toys to 7 million less fortunate children annually. The golf course community of Indian River Colony Club is an official Toys for Tots drop off location.

The Pickled Pedalers group at Indian River Colony Club has donated to other charitable causes, but found that their own love of cycling made the ongoing bicycle donations to Toys for Tots particularly fitting.

“What a joy to imagine 20 surprised and happy kids on Christmas,” said Pedaler Gloria Zannis. “This annual tradition of buying and donating bikes is rewarding for all of the Pickled Pedalers.”

The bicycle club’s name comes from the euphoric “pickled” feeling members experience when witnessing spectacular sunrises during their morning rides. Viera’s very first neighborhood, Indian River Colony Club is known as “The Place Patriots Call Home.” A haven for military retirees, the par-72 private golf course community has a patriotic culture and country club amenities for active adults aged 55 and over. For more information about Indian River Colony Club, please contact us.

Photo: The Pickled Pedalers of Indian River Colony Club collected loose change throughout the year to purchase 20 bicycles for donation to the Marine Toys for Tots program. photo by Amir Pishdad Jr.