Community rallies to support Heartspring after bikes were stolen

What started off as a terrible loss for the Heartspring School has turned into a tremendous success thanks to the generosity of individuals and companies in and around Wichita.

Seven adult bicycles were stolen from Heartspring over the weekend. One was recovered not far from campus with a flat tire.

The stolen bicycles belonged to the Heartspring School, a residential school helping children with severe disabilities from across the United States. Travis Grover, Heartspring’s adapted physical education teacher and recreation and leisure coordinator, uses bicycles daily as he works to enhance students’ independence skills and help provide students with life-long leisure skills.

“Cycling is a huge part of my curriculum because it is geared toward life-long recreation and leisure skills,” said Grover. “Having these bikes stolen directly affects our students because they can’t participate in program goals, not to mention an activity they truly enjoy.”

“It’s so disappointing to have something like this happen on our campus,” said Katie Grover, director of marketing. “We’re dedicated to enhancing the lives of children with special needs.”

After hearing about what happened at Heartspring, the community rallied to replace the stolen bicycles…and much, much more.

Thanks to the Wichita media, the community has donated almost 50 bikes so children with special needs can continue their program goals and enjoy a life-long leisure skill. Eleven bicycles have been dropped off at Heartspring with six more to be delivered this week. Sixteen more have been pledged for Heartspring staff to pick up. KFDI radio DJ Tony Brueski hosted Brueski’s Bike Drive for Heartspring July 27-28 and received 16 bicycles, which were delivered to Heartspring on Thursday July 30. Students from the Heartspring School were at the gym to welcome and thank KFDI and the community for their support.

Many other phone calls have come from individuals and businesses offering additional support if needed.

Cash pledges totaling $1450 will allow Heartspring to fix and maintain donated and currently used bicycles and adult tricycles used by the students at the Heartspring School. Preferred Health Systems donated a dozen bicycle helmets to Heartspring.

With the donation of younger children’s bicycles, clients receiving physical therapy from Heartspring Pediatric Services will also be able to benefit from these donations.

“The response to this terrible event has been amazing and has put a smile on many faces of the students and staff at Heartspring,” said Katie Grover. “The community has really stepped up and we’re inspired by their generosity.”