The original story was written to gin up donations for this program . Alaskan's responded as they always do with big hearts.  It's a shame this incident wasn't used as an additional teaching moment by the group ,  announcing it was holding a car wash or bake sale to generate money to replace the bikes---instead of a plea for handouts.  People don't have the same respect for something that is given to them rather than something that is earned . Giving kids bikes for free is a bad lesson in life.  When I was a kid we earned money for our bikes---they weren't given to us. We mowed laws , washed cars , babysat , and other chores .Giving 560 dollars bikes to kids teaches them little in life other than to feel entitled . It teaches that when life throws a person difficulties , someone other than themselves needs to cover for them.   It's not just this case , but this is what is happening to our kids everywhere .  And we wonder why so many kids are unprepared for the real world.