Caroline Contractors had a big Annual Bicycle Drive at Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ on Dec. 21. The popular Land O’ Lakes restaurant provided food and the use of its Lake House in the back. Charlene Ierna of the Lutz-based Ierna’s Heating & Cooling provided popcorn and a bounce house for the party. The kids received free haircuts, too, courtesy of Star’s Organic Spa and Great Clips. Music was also provided by a local band. Santa and Mrs. Claus were there for the kids. Also Terri Dusek, a Realtor at Re/Max Premier Group, and her family handed out bags of fresh produce and fruit to the less fortunate families.

Todd and Cindy Caroline of Lutz began providing new bicycles to children from less fortunate families about six years ago. What began as one couple’s attempt to teach their daughter about the struggles that many families are faced with has broadened into an effort to bring new bicycles to children who have little prospect of ever owning a new set of wheels.

This is the fourth year that the company has had its Christmas bicycle drive. Each year, it collects at least 100 new bicycles, or the family makes up the difference. But this year, it has a substantially more ambitious goal. It wants to collect 1,000 new bikes. Caroline knows that that’s more of a dream than a goal, but she’s open to miracles.

“We just want to be able to bless these families because life is very hard every day for them,” Caroline said. “You go out on a bike and you forget all about whatever the troubles at home,” she said. “I want them to have fun.” “They struggle. I’d really like to be able to give the families a Christmas dinner."