Free Bike Helmets to Third Graders

Free Bike Helmets to Third Graders

“If you have wheels under your feet, have a helmet on your head.” These words should echo in the heads of all youth after they have received their free bicycle helmet. Each year since 1996, Grinnell Regional Medical Center and the Grinnell Regional Medical Staff have organized and distributed a free bike helmet to third graders in the GRMC service area. Bikes to You owner, Craig Cooper, along with various members of the Grinnell Bike Club and area businesses and supporters have provided a brief educational presentation to the students about safety at the time of the helmet distribution.

“Our mission each year is to prevent children from experiencing head trauma,” says Holly Pettlon, GRMC wellness specialist and this year’s coordinator. “We use a two-prong approach of education and giving them the equipment to protect their heads. Parents and peers play a key role in encouraging and requiring the kids to wear those helmets. It’s a life-long practice that saves lives.”

GRMC, the GRMC medical staff, area businesses, and individuals will work together to prevent head-injuries by giving 541 new bicycle helmets to third grader in the GRMC service area this year.

Helmets are given out in 12 school districts covering – BGM, Central Iowa Christian Academy, East Marshall, Green Mountain Garwin (GMG), Grinnell/Newburg, Lynnville/Sully, Meskwaki Settlement, Montezuma, North Mahaska, Sully Christian, South Tama, and Victor (HLV).

Financial supporters of the bike helmet distribution raised more than $7,000 for the helmets. Contributors, along with GRMC and the GRMC Medical staff, include: Duane and Pam Blagden; C & K Transfer; Cirks Financial Services; Charlie Clements and Denise Lamphier; Curt’s Collision Center; Ellis Home Interiors – Ron and Kelly Ellis; First State Bank of Lynnville-Sully; Grinnell State Bank; Heater Lawn Care; John and Amy Kalkbrenner; Kiwanis Club of Grinnell; Lynnville Women’s Club; Adam and Jamin Manatt; Medicap – Kevin and Jennifer Stallman; Ramsey-Weeks, Inc.; Bert and Mary Ross; State Bank of Toledo, and Robert Wemer.

If you are interested in supporting this program, contact Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development, at 641-236-2589 or dlamphier@grmc.us