(PATERSON/PASSAIC, NJ) -- The Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic (BGCPP) recently received 40 bikes and helmets from the Citi Bike Build. Bikes and helmets were given to four Club Kids at each of BGCPP’s 10 locations as a reward for perfect attendance and most improved grades during the school year.

The bikes, built and donated by Citi, provide Paterson and Passaic children – many of whom have not previously owned a bike – with new opportunities to learn how to ride a bike while enhancing their physical fitness, giving them a new level of confidence and independence.

“We’re grateful to have received this donation,” says Janice Gomez, Chief Operating Officer of BGCPP. “The kids were excited to receive their bikes, especially the ones who have never ridden before. They couldn’t wait to show their friends and family their academic reward. We are proud to continue our partnership with Citi in building Great Futures for Paterson and Passaic youth.”

The Bike Build is one of Citi Bike's flagship events. In partnership with Bike New York and Bloomberg L.P., Citi recently hosted its annual Global Community Day (GCD) bike build at Riverside State Park in Manhattan. Volunteers built 600 bikes to give away to community partners to distribute to New York City-area youth to transform their lives through cycling.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic is to inspire and enable young people, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The Club provides a safe after-school environment for kids ages 5 through 18 to have fun and learn each day. During summer months, a day camp is offered for youth to stay active, engaged, and learning when school is out of session. Their professional staff and dedicated community partners deliver a comprehensive array of high quality educational, social, and recreational programs.