The Fort Madison Kiwanis are teaming up with the Christmas For Kids and offenders from the Iowa State Penitentiary in an effort to bring a little more joy to local children this holiday season.

According to Denise Fraise, the chairperson of the community service activity, the Kiwanis are trying to locate used bikes and make them new again.

“We are collecting used bicycles with the drop off location being the YMCA,” Fraise said. “We will do this through November and then take the bikes to the Iowa State Penitentiary where the offenders will refurbish them.”

Once the bikes are over-hauled, they will be donated to Christmas For Kids for distribution.

The offenders are good at this type of work.

“They do this every year for the Fourth of July Kiddie Parade,” Fraise said. “They’re really excited about this.”

Kiwanis President Ryan Wilson said the goal for this first time out event for the Kiwanis is 15 bicycles.

“If we can collect this many I think it will be a success,” Wilson said. “Are we going to be disappointed if we only get 10 bikes? No. I think it will be a success no matter which way it goes. Right no we are just trying to put the word out and let the community know what wee are doing.”