On Wednesday, August 3, at 11:30 a.m., Walmart will donate five bicycles to Unity-N-Community for its Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) program and $3,000 to Communities in Schools of Central Georgia (CIS). The donation will be made at the Walmart on Harrison Road. 

“There is always a need for us to help children discover the love of riding their bikes around the neighborhood, whether that’s to school, to a friend’s house, or just up and down the street, and many of our parents may not be able to afford one for them,” says Steve Allen, Unity-N-Community Board Chair. 

The money being donated to CIS will buy Mindfulness Journals for each of the students they work with in six Bibb County elementary schools. These journals have guided writing prompts to help students stay calm, focused, and present. 

“When we begin teaching children effective communication and non-violent strategies while they are in elementary school, we empower them to choose a safe and successful future for themselves,” says Taryn Collinsworth, CIS Chief Executive Officer.

“This is a small donation to a big cause, so I hope the children see that people in our community are watching and care about their future,” says Neal Haslem, Account Manager Development with Coca-Cola’s Savannah River Division.

“These bikes will be part of our incentive program with children that is helping show them there is value and reward in doing what’s right for our friends, family, and community,” adds Allen.

The bicycles will be given to children at a future Rhyme Against Crime event. This event – along with a Fathers’ Day cookout, one-on-one conflict resolution sessions at the Buck Melton Center, and others – are part of the organization’s outreach effort that is part of the MVP program.