MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Thousands of kids in the metro received an early holiday gift – a new bike!

Free Bikes 4 Kidz held its fifth annual giveaway on Saturday at several locations in the Twin Cities. Five thousand children and young people were on the gift list this year.

In addition to a bike, the kids also got free helmets. Ma Lee of Brooklyn Park has three kids, and for once her children will each have a bike of their own.

“It’s great because…one of them has a bike and they’ve been sharing bikes so this is a great opportunity for them,” Lee said.

The families were selected with the help of several local non-profits.

The founder of Free Bikes 4 Kidz, Terry Esau, says the giveaway wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous support from the community.

Four thousand volunteers pitched in to help collect and refurbish bikes this year.