HAVERHILL — First graders stepped off the school bus Friday morning to quite the surprise — not a pop quiz, but instead, a shiny new set of wheels waiting to be pedaled.
National nonprofit Can’d Aid partnered with Yasso and Market Basket to donate 120 bicycles and helmets to first graders at Tilton Elementary School, as part of the organizations’ fourth annual collaborative initiative to provide bikes to underserved youth across the country.
For many of the boys and girls in attendance, Friday marked the first time they had ever owned a bicycle.
Ahead of the surprise delivery, there was a community-wide bike build Thursday night at Wicked Axe. What is typically a spot for chucking blades at wooden targets turned into an assembly line of spokes and handlebars as about 70 volunteers — including parents, teachers and Market Basket employees — pieced together all 120 bicycles.
The next morning, it was time for the grand reveal, as children were led outside to what they most likely thought was an early recess. John Lopez of Can’d Aid led the event, rallying students seated by their homeroom classes while parents and teachers gathered nearby with cellphones ready to capture the moment.
Just behind Lopez stood a large truck parked in the school’s lot, blocking the children’s view of the lineup of shimmering, red two-wheelers on the other side. Lopez spoke to the students about the importance of staying active, exercising and living healthy lifestyles — but to always stay safe while doing so.
He introduced his colleague and professional BMX rider Mike Murfitt, who was going to perform some stunts for the children’s entertainment.
“You guys ready to see some tricks?” Murfitt asked the crowd of first graders which got a resounding response.
But before he busted any moves, Murfitt asked them what he needed to wear first.
“A helmet,” the kids called out in unison.
Once strapped in, Murfitt performed bunny hops, 360-degree spins, backward pedaling tricks and balancing maneuvers that drew louder and louder reactions from the students.
After the demonstration, Murfitt asked Lopez to hop into the driver’s seat of the conspicuously parked truck behind him and pull off.
“Move that truck,” the children, parents and volunteers all yelled at once.
As the vehicle drifted left, it revealed rows of brand-new red bicycles shining in the Friday morning sun, each with a blue helmet attached to the handlebars. The students leaped, hollered and clapped as they realized they’d each be taking home their own set of wheels.
Each kid, with a parent’s guidance, tightened their palms around the handlebars and put their feet to the pedals for the first time. Short test rides were being taken all around the lot before family members wheeled the bicycles back home.
“We want to give the flowers to the Haverhill community,” Lopez said. “So supportive. This was like one of our most efficient builds and donations.”
“The community showed up,” Murfitt said in agreement. “It’s seeing people come together to support their local community and give kids that might not have the opportunity otherwise to have that taste of freedom.”
Among the spectators was Sally Waters, who watched her grandson Jake receive his new ride, which just so happened to match his favorite color. The first grader said he was excited to store this new gift in his garage and never would have expected this during what he thought was a regular school day.
“It’s been really hard to keep the secret,” Waters said. “This is just a wonderful gift for all of these kids.”
The bicycles were funded by Yasso through the partnership with Market Basket and Can’d Aid.
Founded in 2013, Can’d Aid is a national nonprofit organization focused on providing tools and opportunities for under-resourced communities to live healthy, active and creative lives. The organization says it has donated more than 14,000 bicycles, 9,000 skateboards and 4,000 musical instruments nationwide.
“Children average 7 hours of screen time per day and only 1 in 5 gets the daily recommended amount of exercise,” Can’d Aid wrote. “At a time when our nation’s youth are experiencing extreme levels of anxiety, depression and mental health issues, Can’d Aid’s programs provide healthy and active outlets for underserved and at-risk children across the country.”