Downers Grove Cyclists Collect Gifts for Good Sam Pediatric Patients

A group of local cyclists will be pedaling from downtown Downers Grove to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital this weekend to deliver Christmas gifts to young patients.

More than 20 members of the Pedal Heads are planning to participate in the ride, which will kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Lemon Tree Grocer, 935 W. Burlington Ave. The cyclists will head north two miles along Main Street to the hospital, where they will deliver toys and other gifts to pediatric patients.

Riders will wear Christmas attire and their bikes will be adorned with festive decorations.

“The bike ride is our opportunity to give something back to Good Samaritan Hospital, which for several years has sponsored our team’s charity fundraising events,” said Vicky Tate, Pedal Heads team captain and group exercise instructor at the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center. “The hospital is such a vital part of our community.”

Vita Zadura, a Pedal Heads team member and Chicago Police officer, came up with the idea to deliver gifts to pediatric patients. The Pedal Heads are affiliated with the Downers Grove Bicycle Club; the majority of team members are from Downers Grove.

“On behalf of our pediatric patients, we want to thank the Pedal Heads for their gifts,” said Peggy Farrell, manager of the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units at Good Samaritan Hospital. “Getting Christmas presents will make their hospital stay brighter.”

Tate said anyone interested in participating should meet just before 10 a.m. Saturday at Lemon Tree. A drop box for donations will be in place at the grocery store all week, she said.

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