Find your old bike a new home.

Has your child outgrown his or her bicycle? Would you like to have another child enjoy it as much as yours did? How about donating it for an event that gives away bicycles to kids that need one?

Almost 50 kids that didn’t have a bike received one at last year’s Blessing of the Bicycles event at The Springs Church. About 40 used ones were given away, as well as eight brand new ones. This year, organizers of the event are looking for more bikes to give away to kids who need one.

Dozens of kids and parents showed up at last year’s event to take advantage of the free bicycles, helmets, face painting, and other goodies. On hand was the Kent County Sheriff Department, Cedar Springs Fire Department, and Rockford Ambulance. They will be all be on hand again at this year’s event on June 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Springs Church, with fun for kids and their families. But in order for the event to be a success, they need bicycles to be donated.

Bicycles can be dropped off any time at 5581 17 Mile Road (at Ritchie) at the Bike Exchange. Or, if you need someone to pick up the bike, please call 616-799-2850.

Brandon Cook

Damone Hammock

Two Sparta men who made their getaways on bicycles have been arrested in home invasions in Alpine Township.

Kent County Sheriff Deputies responded early Sunday morning, June 16, to the 8000 block of North Division Avenue, in Alpine Township, on a home invasion in progress. During their investigation, police learned that multiple homes had been burglarized in the neighborhood. A cache of stolen property was found in a nearby wooded area and returned to the victim. Three homes were identified as having been broken into, but investigations believe there are additional victims based on the property recovered.

Police said that the suspects committed the crimes while on bicycles.

Brandon Cook, 29, and Damone Hammock, 35, both from Sparta were arrested for the incident. They have been arraigned and charged with Home Invasion 1st Degree and have $100,000 bond.