This year, the Avery Project, led by young philanthropist Avery Sampson and her father, Scott, achieved a significant milestone, donating over 220 bicycles to families in need during the holiday season. The initiative, which began with a desire to bring joy to children and families through the simple gift of a bike, has grown into a large-scale community effort supported by local businesses, volunteers, and donors.
The 2024 bike giveaway was hosted at Shadow Mountain Feed and Tack, a location generously donated by the owners for the event. The format allowed children to personally select their bicycles, making the experience even more special. Avery and Scott explained how the process unfolded, saying, “We scheduled 100 kids for the giveaway, and after they came through, we opened it up to others in the community. By the end of the day, we had given away about 120 bikes at the event.”
In addition to the bikes given out during the event, Avery and Scott have plans to repair and donate 10 full-size bicycles to participants in the local drug court program after the start of the new year. Scott explained, “Some of the bikes might not have been the prettiest, but they’re still great bikes. Once they’re fixed up, they’ll be ready to make a difference for someone else.” This thoughtful expansion reflects their commitment to supporting people of all ages and circumstances, including adults with special needs. This year, for example, they provided a specially designed three-wheeled bike to a 16-year-old through the Pahrump Disability Outreach Program (PDOP).
The success of the Avery Project would not be possible without the overwhelming support of the community. Joe’s Sanitation, a major donor, contributed 44 bikes this year, while Saddle West Hotel Casino and RV Resort donated $500 to the cause. Pinkbox Doughnuts provided 10 dozen doughnuts for families attending the event, and Pizza Hut contributed pizzas to create a festive atmosphere. Numerous individuals and other local businesses stepped up as well, donating one, two, or three bikes each, which quickly added up.
The project also relied on the expertise of VeloBazaar, a local bike repair shop, to restore donated bikes to like-new condition. Avery shared a particularly touching story about a former bike shop owner who visited the giveaway. After seeing the rows of bikes and learning about the project, he not only donated $100 for Avery to spend on herself but also offered supplies from his California-based bike shop to aid future repair efforts. “I was so shocked, and it meant so much to me,” Avery said. “I was trying not to cry!”
In addition to the main giveaway, the Avery Project distributed bikes through several organizations, including the Pahrump Disability Outreach Program, the Holiday Task Force, and children in Amargosa and Las Vegas. Avery even participated in the Winter Wonder Slam wrestling event, where she and Santa Claus personally handed out 20 bikes to excited kids. “That was such a fun experience,” Avery said. “Seeing their faces light up was unforgettable.”
While the Avery Project has achieved remarkable success, it faces growing logistical challenges. Storing hundreds of bikes is no small task, requiring the use of three storage units this year. To streamline operations, Avery and Scott have started partnering with organizations to handle larger distributions, such as providing bikes to the Salvation Army for their Angel Tree program.
Looking to the future, Avery has ambitious plans to expand her efforts. She aims to host a smaller bike giveaway during the summer, with a goal of distributing 55 bikes while saving the majority of donations for the holiday season. “Summer is a bit easier for storage and donations, and it helps break up the workload,” Scott explained. Avery added, “My goal is to make the summer event special while continuing to focus on the big giveaway at Christmas.”
The project is also exploring new funding opportunities, including applying for a Walmart grant of up to $5,000 to support the repair and distribution of bikes. Such funding would help cover the costs of restoring larger adult bikes, which are often more economical to repair than smaller children’s bikes.
Since its inception, the Avery Project has donated nearly 700 bikes, bringing joy and mobility to countless families. Avery reflected on her journey, saying, “Every bike we give out makes a difference. Whether it’s a child getting their first bike or someone with special needs finding new freedom, it’s all worth it.”
The project’s new website, AveryProject.info, allows people to donate bikes or sign up to request one. Applications open in late October and close once the list is full. The process ensures that bikes go to families truly in need, with applications carefully reviewed for eligibility. Avery explained, “We look at each application and try to ensure that every bike goes to a home where it will really make a difference.”
With her passion for giving back and the unwavering support of her father and the Pahrump community, Avery is determined to continue growing the Avery Project. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but there’s always more we can do,” she said. “Every bike we give away is another opportunity to bring happiness to someone’s life.”
