The Roanoke Rapids Fire Department has become a virtual Santa's workshop to help Angel's Closet make Christmas brighter for needy children.

Checking a tire.

Thursday firefighters began tinkering with discarded bicycles, exchanging parts, fixing pedals and jotting notes on what's needed to make the bicycles rideable.

They are also accepting donations of unused bicycles at Fire Station 1 on Roanoke Avenue.

“They asked us to and we wanted to do our part to help the community and help them get the bikes fixed so they can distribute them,” Chief Gary Corbet said Wednesday.

Corbet readily admits the firefighters aren't necessarily bicycle mechanics although, “We have some very talented folks.”

Hollowell, right, and Michael DeBlois work on a bike.

The fire chief said repairing the bikes is a way to show appreciation to a supportive community. “The community supports us very well. We want to do a little something to give back whatever we can.”

The fire department Thursday morning started working on about 30 bicycles which have already been donated. The bicycles range from good condition to those which need work such as replacing brake pads and lubing chains to one where the rider was hit by a car.

“Some of them have bad cables, some need cleaning and some are worn out,” Gordon Pearson said. “We can repair 80 percent of them at least.”

Helping with Angel's Closet bike drive is an extension of the fire department's commitment to public service, Pearson said. “I think most of us are doing this job because we like helping people, especially the kids.”

Hollowell goes on a test drive.

Pearson said once the bikes are repaired, they will be cleaned and washed. “We'll have them looking as good as we can.”

Bryan Hollowell was one of several firefighters working on the bikes and was the second behind Pearson to test ride one that required only minor tweaking. “I like helping the community,” he said. “It's always good to give back. It shows we care about the community.”

Those wishing to donate bikes or parts may do so by bringing them to Fire Station 1 on Roanoke Avenue or calling the fire department at 252-533-2880.

Another way to help

Those looking for other ways to help Angel's Closet may do by bringing canned goods to Becker Village Mall now through December 17. The goods will be arranged in the form of a Christmas tree in front of Encore, Décor and More. Bring the canned goods to Encore, Décor and More, one of the mall security officers or any mall employee.