Destiny gets in Christmas spirit with 'Bike Build Event' in Lincoln

In the coming weeks, Destiny Community Center will transform a 64,000-square-foot space in Rocklin into a winter wonderland and give out 1,500 bicycles during its "Love Our City Christmas" event. But before the dazzling lights can amaze a single set of eyes or a child's Christmas wishes can come true, volunteers have much work to complete. On Saturday, Destiny Christian Church welcomed about 1,000 volunteers to get that work underway with what has come to be called its "Bike Build Event" on Venture Drive in Lincoln. In just a few hours, the enthusiastic volunteers constructed 1,500 bicycles and wrapped thousands of presents, bagged up plenty of sweets and began painting the extensive "Love Our City Christmas" set. Scott Bryditzki, Destiny Community Center's community development director, said the center has partnered with dozens of South Placer schools, which includes Lincoln, and will select students who might be the most in need. Among those putting hands and minds to work Saturday was Christian-based Teen Challenge in Lincoln, who were represented by several of its students. Teen Challenge is a national organization with more than 200 residential programs offering services that provide help for those struggling with drugs, alcohol and other life-controlling issues. Teen Challenge student Michael Chandler of Lincoln said Saturday's event is a remarkable step forward for fellow students participating. Considering Bike Build Event's generous cause, Chandler noted how important participation is for students aiming to turn their lives around. "We're always trying to get back into the community and make people aware of what we do," Chandler said. "We do things like this for the community and let our faces be known. That's important to let our faces be known through events like this, rather than something bad." For Destiny Christian Church Lead Pastor Greg Fairrington, the Bike Build Event and subsequent Love Our City Christmas are the embodiment of the church's mission. "The theme of who we are as a church and community center is 'We are blessed to be a blessing,'" Fairrington said. "So, that's our heart and our spirit. We have been in the wonderful community for 30 years and we feel it's our responsibility to give back. There's a lot of people in the community who may not have what other people have, so it's our desire to help those people who might not have a Christmas like some of us will." Among the businesses in the region to donate to the effort were American Furniture, Consolidated Communications, Sign Masters, Quick Quack Car Wash, Walmart on Pleasant Grove and the Debra Massie Real Estate Team. Debra Massie of Roseville said she was first inspired several years back when she saw the sheer joy in children's eyes when receiving a bicycle. The very next year, Massie said she wanted to be part of the entire process. "This is something we always look forward to doing," Massie said. "Giving back to our city and giving back to those who may need help is so important. And it's also such a great event because we have a fun time doing it." Saturday's event was the first for Kristen Swank of Trane Heat & Air, which helped sponsor the event after it made a concerted effort to give back to the community. "Our office wanted to make a difference and help out for the Christmas holiday," Swank said. "So we got together a group of volunteers and we just wanted to make a difference for some children in need. This is just an incredible way to support the community." "Love Our City Christmas" is an annual Christmas outreach event that takes place Dec. 14 and Dec. 15 and hosts thousands of families for a holiday celebration at the Destiny Community Center. Destiny Community Center is at 6850 Five Star Blvd., Rocklin. For additional information on Love Our City Christmas and other upcoming events, visit Destiny Community Center's website at loveourcity.org.