First up to get their new bicycle helmets at the 21st annual distribution on Friday, May 8, were Keidyn Sokol (left) beinging fitted by dad, Brian, and Kaden Kopsa, above, being helped by dad, Jerimi. The dads work for sponsors providing the free helmets including The State Bank of Toledo and Tama County Investment Services. All South Tama and Meskwaki School third grade students received the helmets. Chronicle photos/ John Speer

GRMC, the GRMC medical staff, area businesses, and individuals will work together to prevent head-injuries by giving 541 new bicycle helmets to third graders in the GRMC service area this year.

“If you have wheels under your feet, have a helmet on your head.” These words should echo in the heads of all youth after they have received their free bicycle helmet. Each year since 1996, Grinnell Regional Medical Center and the Grinnell Regional Medical Staff have organized and distributed a free bike helmet to third graders in the GRMC service area. Bikes to You owner, Craig Cooper, along with various members of area businesses and supporters have provided a brief educational presentation to the students about safety at the time of the helmet distribution.

“Our mission each year is to prevent children from experiencing head trauma,” says Holly Pettlon, GRMC wellness specialist and this year’s coordinator. “We use a two-prong approach of education and giving them the equipment to protect their heads. Parents and peers play a key role in encouraging and requiring the kids to wear those helmets. It’s a life-long practice that saves lives.”

Helmets will be given to students in 12 school covering BGM, Central Iowa Christian Academy, East Marshall, Green Mountain Garwin(GMG), Grinnell/Newburg, Lynnville/Sully, Meskwaki Settlement, Montezuma, North Mahaska, Sully Christian, South Tama, and Victor (HLV).

Financial supporters of the bike helmet distribution raised more than $4,500 for the helmets. Contributors, along with GRMC and the GRMC Medical staff, include Ahrens Park Foundation, Cirks Financial Services, Garwin Ambulance Service, Grinnell Elks Lodge, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, Grinnell State Bank, Kiwanis Club of Grinnell, Denise Lamphier and Charlie Clements, Lions Club of Sully, Love Our Kids, Adam and Jamin Manatt, Medicap Pharmacy Kevin and Jennifer Stallman, Sisters in Service Club, Warren Reinecke, State Bank of Toledo, University of Iowa Community Credit Union, and Vannoy Chevrolet Doug and Debra VerMeer.

Kalayna White, third grade student at the Meskwaki Settlement school, is fitted for her new bicycle helmet by teacher Camara Cosgrove on Friday, May 8.

If you are interested in supporting this program, contact Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development, at 641-236-2589 or dlamphier@grmc.us.