CICERO, Ind. — Christmas is just a week away, and time is ticking for people looking for last-minute gifts.
In Cicero, one bike shop is looking to help by giving away free refurbished bikes.
Joe Rudy spends his days inside his Cicero shop, Rudy's Re:cycle Shop, trying to fit the right part with the right bike.
"Put a new front tire, put a new rim on there and a new tire because we had it, which was great," Rudy said.
This Hoosier dad prides himself on restoring bikes for free during the month of December and giving back to the community.
"We had people all year long asking, 'Oh my gosh, that was so cool what you did last year — are you guys going to do it again?' and I said, 'Yes, absolutely,'" Rudy said.
Last year, Rudy's first Christmas bike giveaway helped more than 15 families.
This year, they've already doubled those numbers.
"Thirty-one bikes we've given away and five more that we're dropping off today, so we'll be upward to 36," Rudy said, with no strings attached. "You can come up anytime you want, anything that's our there, it's yours. There's no strings. You don't have to sign up for it, qualify. Nothing of that."
During 13News' visit, Rudy even dropped off several bikes to Angel Attics, a nearby ministry helping those in need.
"I am so amazed. They are wonderful gifts. Our little angels are going to love them," said Connie Thistlethwaite, with Angel Attics.
These bikes will go a long way in spreading joy on Christmas Day.
"It warms my heart to know that there are people out there who are willing to help," Thistlethwaite said. "People that aren't quite as fortunate as us and are having a really hard time this year."
"Giving back for the holiday season, man. Merry Christmas. That's what it's about," Rudy said.
Rudy said bikes will be outside of his shop 24 hours a day until they're all gone. His shop is located at 49 S Peru St. in Cicero. You can also donate online.