COBYS Celebrates 25 Years Of Bike & Hike
"Milestones give us a chance to pause and reflect on the work that we've done and all the services we have been able to provide," noted Anne Stokes, director of development, with COBYS Family Services. COBYS works to educate, support, and empower children and adults to reach their full potential by providing a range of foster care, adoption, permanency, family life education, and counseling services to children and families at risk throughout the region.
The organization, with offices at 1417 Oregon Road, Leola, celebrated 40 years of serving the Lancaster County area in 2020. The annual fundraising Bike & Hike, planned for Sunday, Sept. 12, at Lititz Church of the Brethren, 300 W. Orange St., Lititz, will be the 25th for the organization. Stokes estimated that over the years the signature fundraiser has been held, more than $1.8 million has been raised. Over the 40 years that COBYS has existed, more than 61,000 lives - including children and their family members - have been touched by the organization.
This year, motorcyclists, who will traverse a 65-mile route through eastern Lancaster County, will register at the church at 12:30 p.m., and the ride will begin at 1:30 p.m. Bicyclists, who will travel one of two routes, will register at 1:30 p.m. The 25-mile route riders will leave at 2 p.m., and those riding 10 miles will leave at 2:30 p.m. Walkers will register at 1:30 p.m. and step off on a 3-mile route through Lititz at 2:30 p.m. A virtual Bike & Hike will be offered this year for those who wish to complete the trek on their own. Stokes noted that this option is not only for individuals who are not comfortable meeting in a large group. "If folks just can't make it Sept. 12, we want folks who are able to support COBYS in ways that work for them," she said.
In observance of the 25th year of Bike & Hike, COBYS has created Kickstart, a special effort to raise $25,000 prior to the Sept. 12 event. Stokes noted that more than $6,500 of the $25,000 goal had been raised by mid-August. She added that those who cannot take part but wish to contribute can use the Kickstart link at http://www.cobys.org/bike-and-hike.
Following the walk and ride portion of the event, an ice cream sundae bar will be available at the church. Stokes noted that families that are not able to take part in the Bike & Hike but would like to learn more about COBYS are welcome to come enjoy the Treehouse Playground of Lititz, an adaptive playground located behind the church, and then partake of the ice cream. "Come have ice cream and chat," she invited, noting that members of the COBYS staff and a foster family will be available to answer questions.
Although COBYS was able to work with clients virtually when COVID-19 restrictions would not allow in-person meetings, Stokes said that the number of children referred decreased during the shutdown, but that is changing. "We are seeing slowly the number of children in foster care rising," she said. "It has increased now that teachers, coaches, and doctors are reporting," Stokes added.
Readers who have specific questions may call 717-656-6580.
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