The faces of two dozen children from the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence lit up as they entered the lobby of Watts' Headquarters in North Andover, MA, USA - each ready to be paired with their own brand-new bike.
The bikes were built and safety tested by Watts employees as part of the company’s ongoing employee engagement activities. They were then donated to the children – along with safety helmets and locks – during a pizza party held in the Watts cafeteria.
Each child anxiously waited for their name to be called as the bikes were handed out one by one. As each one took delivery of their new set wheels, their contagious smiles were met with applause from employees, many of whom helped to adjust helmet straps and seat heights to prepare the children for their inaugural ride.
“Just seeing the looks on their faces, that’s what this is all about,” said Robert J. Pagano, Jr. CEO, President and Chairperson of the Board. “It really has a big impact to be able to give these children this opportunity that many of them might not have otherwise.”
Employees also shared their excitement at the event, which drew attention from the local media:
Lawrence Boys and Girls Club celebrates with bikes, pizza party | News | eagletribune.com
Additional Images from the Build a Bike Event:
CEO Bob Pagano talking to the kids as they eat lunch in Watts North Andover facility.
North Andover Employees watch as the kids check out their new bikes.
Watts Employees distributing the bikes to the kids waiting nearby.