Virginia State University is in the giving spirit. 

As part of the VSU Gives Back holiday initiative, the school administration purchased bicycles and distributed the bikes to children in Petersburg. 

The administration and other employees from the HBCU collected and donated more over 30 bicycles. 

“I am beyond grateful to my administration for participating in this VSU Gives Back Holiday Initiative. Thank you to our Assistant Vice President of Communications, Gwen Williams Dandridge for spearheading and organizing this,” said VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. “At Virginia State University, 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.” 

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In the holiday bicycle initiative, the university partnered with the City of Petersburg and it was the Petersburg Department of Social Services that selected the children to receive the bicycles. The Petersburg Public Information Office was responsible for the distribution of the bicycles.   

“The City of Petersburg thanks VSU’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, VSU 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 VSU and the University’s support of the city.”   

Gwen Williams Dandridge, VSU assistant vice president for communications, said it was vital to bring joy to youth during the holiday season. 

“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,” Dandridge said. “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 Virginia State University care about their well-being.”

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