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TOTS PEDAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE DURING UAPB CENTER TRIKE-A-THON

Friday, April 3, 2009 11:57 PM CDT

SPECIAL TO THE COMMERCIAL

Children from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Child Development Center had fun on a variety of riding toys Friday as they participated in a St. Jude Trike-A-Thon. The Tau Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Human Development and Family Studies students and staff, and members of the community also supported the event with donations totaling more than $100 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Special to The Commercial

Children at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Child Development Center pedaled for a good cause Friday and had fun doing it. The preschoolers and toddlers participated in a St. Jude Trike-A-Thon which taught them riding toy safety and generated funds for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

“The children and parents at the center have been involved in a week-long curriculum geared toward safety and community service,” said Marilyn Bailey, the center’s interim director. “The children had fun, fun, fun on their riding toys while raising funds to help children in need.”

The young bikers pedaled around the playground — which had been decorated with brightly-colored balloons -- as parents and staff clapped and cheered them on. Their vehicles of choice ranged from classic red tricycles to a construction-yellow Tonka bike.

Carlton McClinton of Pine Bluff stopped by to encourage his nearly 2-year-old son, Christian, to make several laps around on his trike.

“We bought it for him last week and we’ve been training him and getting him ready,” McClinton said. “As a motorcycle rider, I like how they are focusing on safety by encouraging them to wear helmets when they ride.”

The Trike-A-Thon also encouraged children to never ride in the street, be careful near driveways and always watch where they are going.

Tonya Burks, a parent of a 3-month-old and 3-year-old at the center, said the event also taught youngsters about helping others.

“It is not always about self but benefiting others that may not be able to help themselves,” she said.

It was truly a collaborative effort that reached inside and outside of campus.

“The Trike-A-Thon was one example of teachers and parents working together, with the support of administrative personnel, to nurture the development of children and create teachable moments.” Bailey said, adding that she appreciates UAPB campus police support of the event. “Capt. (Harvey) Jones spoke to the children about general safety precautions.”

The Tau Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Human Development and Family Studies students and staff, and members of the community also supported the event with donations totaling more than $100 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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