OKLAHOMA CITY – Former OU quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Jason White and former Sooners head coach Bob Stoops sat down with News 9 to talk about the rapid growth ofAir Comfort Solutions’ Bucks for Bikes program, an effort now aiming to deliver 2,000 bicycles to Oklahoma children in need this Christmas.
The pair reflected on how the project started, why community response keeps growing and how donors can get involved. They also weighed in on OU’s upcoming home playoff matchup against Alabama and what the team can expect as the postseason begins.
Can you tell us about Bucks for Bikes?
White: “Scooter Proctor brought this to me five years ago. This our sixth year, and he explained what it was about. And he said, ‘You just need to come out and watch,’ and so I did. And we delivered 54 bikes that first year. Just to see the kids faces, like we personally take them to their house and to see the kids faces. Then it’s grown every year to last year. We did a thousand bikes, so it’s just getting bigger and bigger as coach. We like shooting for 2000 this year.”
What do these donations mean for a child?
White: “I think with all the things out there nowadays with the phones, the video gaming, you know, I think some of the love for bikes have been lost. You know, the kids just getting outside riding a bike. But I think when these kids that we give them to not knowing what they’re getting for Christmas, or not knowing if they’re getting Christmas, to deliver them a bike, it’s amazing for not only to watch that, but the parents of the kids too.”
Why is it important for people to get involved with the program?
Stoops: “What’s better than a child getting a bike? I mean, really, that’s as good as it gets. People can donate so that there’s a tax write-off to the HBC Champions Foundation. That’s our foundation that we run, and we just note it to Bucks for Bikes. Now we know that’s what it’s for, and it’s the best. I mean, you love seeing a child get a bike. Nothing could be more special.”
What made you want to get involved?
Stoops: “For that reason, just a child getting a bike, something to give back. In our Champions Foundation, all our money goes between Norman and Oklahoma City to children’s organizations, so this fits us perfectly.”
How can I make donations?
Donations may be made at the HBC Champions Foundation official website, and here.
What’s your take on developments with the Sooners and the upcoming matchup against Alabama?…