Event Gifts Hundred of Bicycles and Toys to Foster Families Throughout Arizona

PHOENIX (December 9, 2023) –  Arizona Lottery Gives Back and the Arizona Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents (AZAFAP) have partnered to bring holiday cheer to children in foster care through the Recycle Your Bicycle program.

This $50,000 Arizona Lottery Gives Back sponsorship was used to purchase, repair, and deliver bicycles to children in foster care during the holiday season. Beyond providing tangible joy, the program embodies the spirit of giving and community support, creating a meaningful impact on the lives of these deserving children.

"The Arizona Lottery has a long history of supporting children in foster care through ticket sale proceeds, and the Recycle Your Bicycle program is a testament to the Arizona Lottery's commitment to uplifting communities in need,” said Alec Esteban Thomson, Arizona Lottery CEO. “We’re proud to come together with our community in support of this program that is creating a sense of joy and inclusion, especially during the holiday season." 

Through the Recycle Your Bicycle Gifting Day, AZAFAP was able to deliver 576 bikes and over 1,000 toys and gift cards to children across Arizona through distribution events in Maricopa, Pinal, Pima, Yuma, Yavapai, Coconino and Navajo counties. 

"We are extremely thankful for and proud of the hundreds of volunteers who have partnered with us and the Arizona Lottery Gives Back program to provide bicycles to kids who are impacted by foster care. It is a community effort to support Arizona's most vulnerable children and provide memories that will last a lifetime," said Nancy Williams, AZAFAP Executive Director.

The Recycle Your Bicycle partnership is a tangible example of the Arizona Lottery's mission to support health and human services by making a positive impact on children in foster care. Contributions during this holiday season make a lasting impact on foster families.

In the 2023 fiscal year, the Arizona Lottery demonstrated a robust commitment to health and human services through $33 million in funding to vital state programs and services, significantly benefiting the community. These substantial transfers, part of a historic total transfer of $313 million, play a crucial role in supporting programs that would otherwise rely on tax dollars for their funding. 

For those interested in getting involved, there is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference for children in foster care through the Foster Care Charitable Organization Tax Credit. This initiative allows individuals to support the Recycle Your Bicycle program and similar efforts. To contribute and learn more, click here. Donations will go through ec70phx.com to cover fees and get a matching donation.

For more information about the Recycle Your Bicycle program and its tax credit opportunity, please visit www.recycleyourbicycleaz.com.