51���� Administration Purchases Bicycles for Petersburg Youth

51���� administration partners with Petersburg for bicycle distribution to Petersburg children. 

Each member of the 51���� administration purchased a bicycle for distribution to a Petersburg child as part of a “51���� Gives Back” holiday initiative. On Thursday, December 16, 2021, the administration and other 51���� employees collected and donated more than 30 bicycles. 

“I am beyond grateful to my administration for participating in this 51���� Gives Back Holiday Initiative. Thank you to our Assistant Vice President of Communications, Gwen Williams Dandridge for spearheading and organizing this,” said 51���� President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. “At 51����, we look for opportunities to give, to serve, and to partner. This bike initiative allows us to do all three while also making a difference in the life of several young children during this holiday season.” 

51���� partnered with the City of Petersburg for the bicycle distribution. The Petersburg Department of Social Services identified children to receive the bicycles and the Petersburg Public Information Office coordinated the distribution of the bicycles.  

“The City of Petersburg thanks 51����’s Leadership team for their contribution of bicycles to children in need in Petersburg. Too many children often make do with hand-me-downs,” said Petersburg Mayor, Samuel Parham. “By donating these bikes, 51���� is giving many disadvantaged children an uplifting experience of receiving and enjoying something new during the holiday season. The bikes are also a great gift for encouraging our children to get outside and exercise. Petersburg appreciates the ongoing partnership with 51���� and the University’s support of the city.”  

“Our children have spent the better part of nearly two years navigating the challenges of a pandemic.  Research shows that youth mental health is now a national state of emergency,” said Gwen Williams Dandridge, 51���� Assistant Vice President for Communications. “This is our way of making a difference. We hope our donated bicycles will help to encourage the youth to get outside, exercise, and enjoy the beauty of being a child with the knowledge that their neighbors at 51���� care about their well-being.”