Amy Clark, a reading teacher in Jacksonville, Fla., along with her husband Joe Clark, an Air Force veteran, had one simple idea: ask the American Legion Riders from Post 129 to donate just one bike.
What followed grew into a tradition that has become one of the most anticipated events at Parkwood Heights Elementary every year.
What began as a single act of kindness evolved into a powerful collaboration between the school and the entire American Legion Family at Post 129 in Jacksonville Beach - the Riders, the Auxiliary and the Legionnaires. Together, they have created a tradition that teaches children what service, generosity and community truly look like.
Each December, the veterans and Legion Family members arrive at Parkwood in a roaring line of motorcycles - affectionately known to students as “Motorcycle Santa and the Motorcycle Elves.” Students line the fences and walkways, cheering, waving signs and singing their Veterans Day songs as the Legion Family rolls in with bicycles, stuffed animals and gifts gathered through months of fundraising and teamwork.
What started as a quest for one donated bike has grown into an entire schoolwide celebration. The event now anchors Parkwood’s Merry Grinchmas Kindness Challenge, where students try to “grow the Grinch’s heart” by performing acts of kindness for two weeks leading up to winter break. When teachers catch students being kind, they earn a paper heart, which becomes their entry to win one of the donated prizes. The message is simple: Kindness matters. Service matters. Doing good is something you practice.
This year, the partnership strengthened even more. Parkwood - along with two local churches - created a beautiful basket to donate back to the ALR for their February fundraiser. This gesture allowed students to learn firsthand how community works: the Riders, Auxiliary, SAL and Legionnaires raise funds all year to support children, and in return Parkwood gives back to help support their fundraising efforts. It became a moment of gratitude, full circle. Army veteran John Hadley shared, "Seeing the kids' faces light up and showing them what our community of veterans do - hopefully that instills lessons they'll carry with them throughout life."
Today, PHE and the American Legion Family in Jax Beach stand together, showing children what kindness looks like in action and how powerful it can be when a community comes together.
