Joy Closet hoping for donations of bikes, summer-time fun items for local youth

The Joy Closet is putting out the word for donations of items with wheels for their Summer Fun Day taking place in June.

Founder and Director Heather Gray says they gave out over 40 items last year and they’re accepting anything with wheels, from bikes to skateboards to scooters, but they’re particularly looking for bigger bicycles for older teens and children.

She says they’ll take any type of ride-on toy for children of all ages, along with any summer fun items like bubbles and sidewalk chalk.

Gray says not just foster children can grab an item—if there are other children in the home, they’re also welcome to pick out some summer toys to enjoy. Bikes can be dropped off at Bikes and Moore at 200 Silvey Road in Hopkinsville and other ride-on toys at the Joy Closet Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.  The deadline to drop something off is June 9.

The Joy Closet has served over 170 foster and kinship families in the last two years, serving not just Christian County but also the nine-county Pennyrile region. They provide them with necessary items to help their foster placements be comfortable in their new home, from beds to clothing items to hygiene products.