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Benicia man who rebuilds bicycles and gives them away to children as holiday gifts, receives a holiday surprise
This is the fourth year that a 77-year-old Benicia man rebuilds bicycles and donates them as holiday gifts to children and teens from families in need. But this year, he received a holiday surprise himself.
BENICIA, Calif. -
Christmas came early for one man in Benicia who's made it his mission to rebuild bicycles and give them away to children and teens.
Every year, his donated bikes would be picked up by a representative from a church, nonprofit or the fire department to be distributed.
But this year, he received a holiday surprise.
Tom DeLago said the greatest part of giving for him was knowing that he's bringing joy to children.
Bicycles are something she's always loved.
This time, he gave and received.
On Friday evening, dozens of Tom's bicycles were loaded onto a truck in preparation for a toy giveaway this weekend hosted by Solano Aids Coalition in Vallejo.
"Think of when you were a kid. Pay it forward. Do what you can," said DeLago.
This was the fourth year the 77-year-old had taken on this labor of love.
He said each year, the number of bikes he's able to donate has grown.
But this year, DeLago's own wish came true.
For the first time, he met with a family who would be receiving four bicycles from him.
Each child got to select a bike to take home.
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Mario Saucedo, founder of the Solano Aids Coalition, brought the family to DeLago.
The nonprofit will be adding 50 bicycles from Tom to its toy giveaway to low-income families on Sunday.
"I've been doing the toy drive for 20 years. Every kid, as soon as they see a bike, they get so excited," said Saucedo.
The mother of the four children who met DeLago while picking out their bikes said these gifts brighten the holiday season during difficult times.
"This year is hard for our family. It's amazing that Mr. Tom could donate these beautiful, wonderful bikes to my kids and all the other kids in the community. So it's priceless," said Jennifer, who asked us not to give her last name.
Her 11-year-old son Alfredo said the gift of a bicycle means a lot to him and that he was surprised to be able to select the bike he wanted.
DeLago said he prepares for this passion project year round.
He's already working on bikes for next year's giveaway and the best part is seeing the children's reaction.
"I just love it to know that I put that smile on their faces," he said.
He said he repaired and donated 70 bicycles this year. That's nearly double from last year.
The Solano Aids Coalition toy giveaway will be held at the Vallejo Naval Museum on Sunday, Dec. 22, starting at noon.
Saucedo says the bicycles will go to families who've already registered for the event, but there are other toys that will be given on a first come, first served basis.
Amber Lee is a reporter with KTVU. Email Amber at Amber.Lee@Fox.com or text/leave message at 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU or Twitter @AmberKTVU