The Big Bear Hot Shots give away 21 bicycles to children at Baldwin Lane Elementary School on Dec. 15. USFS photo.

On Wednesday the Big Bear Hot Shots donated 21 brand new bicycles to needy students at Baldwin Lane Elementary School  in Big Bear, California. In a tradition that started eight years ago, first suggested by Captain Jesus Montijo, after every wildfire the hot shots pass around a jar to collect money from crew members to purchase shiny new bikes just before Christmas. Each year they choose a different area for the bike giveaway. The crew has donated a total of 130 bikes over the last eight years to kids whose families are down on their luck.

Congratulations to the Big Bear Hot Shots for this wonderful gesture!