By AARON MUELLER
Niles Daily Star

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass will be collecting donations of new and gently used bicycles for area children in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

The collection will take place at Cycle and Fitness in downtown Niles on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event dubbed “Bikes for Tykes” is the first time the organization has held a bike collection.

Kathryn Rossow, the Executive Director for BBBS of Berrien and Cass, said the bike drive will meet a need in the community.

“It’s great for little brothers and sisters, because many do not have bikes of their own,” she said. “Biking is a no expense kind of activity for bigs and littles. This is a wonderful area for bike rides.”

Cycle and Fitness employees are donating their time to help repair bicycles and the Kiwanis Club of Niles has agreed to pay for necessary parts for repairs.

Those who want to donate but can’t make it to the event can call the BBBS office at (269) 684-1100.

BBBS of Berrien and Cass has been serving the community since 1967.