Central College students, coaches, and faculty partnered with Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, to build over 150 bikes for students at Findley Elementary School in Des Moines on Thursday.

Director of External Engagement at Central College Jenae Jenison serves on the board for Variety, which is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or living with special needs. She says Findley Elementary School holds a special place in many hearts at Central as the college often holds special campus visits for these students, creates unique faculty-led educational opportunities, and partners for community-based learning experiences.

Members of the Central Student-Athlete Advisory Council led the charge in garnering volunteers from campus to assemble the bikes.

Variety distributes over $2 million in grants every year, including a grant in 2021 for equipment for the Wonder Spelen inclusive playground in Pella.