Christmas came early for some first graders in Barrio Logan Wednesday morning.
Fifty-two students from Perkins Elementary School received new bikes and helmets courtesy of Metropolitan Transit System employees.
The students attended an assembly to learn about safety tips when walking and riding bikes near public transport such as a bus or trolley.
After the safety presentation, Santa Claus came in and surprised students with the gifts. For some, it was the first bike they had ever owned.
MTS employee Brian Riley told NBC 7 it's important to put others first, especially during the holidays.
"If there's anything you could actually give, like the employees at the Metropolitan Transit System, you should be willing to do that just to give some joy to some folks out there that may not have the things that you may have," said Riley.
The 10th annual MTS Employee Holiday Bike Drive has gifted more than 500 new bikes and helmets to first graders across the county during the holiday season, a press release said.
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Workers hold fundraising events throughout the year to help pay for the new bikes, which are given to a different school each year.
Bus and trolley operators were joined by the San Diego Police Department, MTS K-9 officers, teachers and parents.
