Sand Hills Preschool Trike-A-Thon Helps St. Jude’s

For the past 9 years, Sand Hills Preschool has been holding their Annual Trike-A-Thon for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

On May 6, all of Sand Hills Preschool’s 4-year-old children rode in the parking lot on a track created for the event. The children spent the week prior to the Trike-A-Thon learning about bicycle safety, about St. Jude’s and the children they help.

The children came to school with either bicycles or tricycles and, of course, their helmets.  For some children this was their first time riding a bicycle.

“One of the preschool’s defining characteristics is that we are committed to teaching children to help others in their community and beyond," said Director Wendy Occhipinti. "The children learn that even though they may be little, they can do big things and help people in need.”

Sue Westenhsier, the preschool’s Trike-A-Thon coordinator explained how the Trike-A-Thon is a combined effort of the preschool and the parents.  The teachers read books like “Arnie and the New Kid”, “Don’t Call Me Special” and “Looking Out for Sarah” which discuss children and adults with disabilities.  Many parents continued these conversations at home. 

“Our goal is to help children to be comfortable with children with disabilities," Westenhiser said. "The children learn how children with disabilities are just like them. They like to play, make friends, read books, play computer games and create art.”

The preschool also gets help from the South Brunswick Police Department.  Every year the police department drops off 30 traffic cones for the preschool to create the bike track in the parking lot. 

“We would not be able to hold this event without their help," Occhipinti said. "It would just not be possible to create the course and have the children participate safely." 

Many parents were amazed at how many laps the preschoolers did. 

“Once I saw the water station for the children to rest, I thought they would make it a half of a lap and then stop and hang out at the water station," said Bill Yost, a grandparent of one the preschoolers. I was surprised at how they never stopped. They all just kept going.” 

Rukhsana Baloch, a parent at the school, said “Sand Hills Preschool has the best activities for the kids.  The Trike-A-Thon was so much fun!” 

The preschool had a goal of raising $2,000, their fundraising total from last year.They have exceeded their goal and raised $2,294.

“We have the most generous families at our school. We raise money for many different charities and I am always amazed by the parents’ generosity.  It is truly heart warming," said  Sand Hills Preschool’s Assistant Director Susan Goddard. 

Sand Hills Preschool is an outreach of the Community Presbyterian Church located on Sand Hills Road in Kendall Park.  For more information about Sand Hills Preschool you can visit their website www.sandhillspreschool.com.