By Agnes CONSTANTE

Thanks to the work of a dedicated group of high school students, 45 people on Skid Row were given bikes on Aug. 21. The bikes were distributed to a select group on Skid Row to assist them in finding jobs by providing a means of transportation.

Approximately 20 students from LOOK, a network of four high schools in Southern California, gathered in a parking lot near San Julian Park in Skid Row to distribute the bikes the organization collected throughout the summer.

“The event went extremely well,” said Peter Lee, president of LOOK.

Crescenta Valley High School, La Cañada High School, Glendale High School and South Pasadena High School comprise LOOK. The network aims to improve its community, and the bike distribution was one project it undertook during the summer to work toward its goal.

LOOK members felt a sense of accomplishment by distributing bikes they collected.

“The most memorable moment for me was when one of the people there chose to get a bike for his daughter rather than himself,” Lee said. “This touched all of our hearts, [and] some even cried.”

In addition to bikes, LOOK also raised $1,400 from garage sales.

Because the 45 bikes distributed weren’t enough for all the people on Skid Row, there was some disappointment.

“Most were very grateful and satisfied with their new bicycles, but some of those who didn’t receive bikes or received old bikes were inevitably angry,” said Jennifer Lee, secretary of LOOK.

Still, the success of the event and appreciation LOOK members received from those on Skid Row has motivated the organization to strive for an even bigger project next year.

“I was so touched by their thankfulness and pleased because I felt like the two months of hard work had truly paid off,” Jennifer said. “Seeing their smiles made me realize the happiness that comes from giving and doing community service.”

  AGNES CONSTANTE