Each December, Robert Lance of Elite Painting and Epoxy Coatings sends a Christmas card to anyone who has contacted his business throughout the year.
“Not only is it a great way to thank people for their business, but it’s an opportunity to touch base with folks who may have forgotten about their home project or maybe chose another company and weren’t happy with the results,” Lance said.
However, the company’s contact list has gotten so long, Lance rethought his plan for this year. Instead of sending cards, he decided he wanted to do something that would give back to the community as a thanks for their support.
Lance decided to give away two bikes (one for a girl and one for a boy), a great gift for the holidays. He went to Wal-Mart and purchased two bikes. Then, on Nov. 26, he made a Facebook post announcing a Bicycle Giveaway. To enter, people must like/follow his business page on Facebook; share the post directly from his business page; and comment “Done – Boy” or “Done – Girl” on the original post. The winners of the bikes would be drawn on Dec. 15 around 8 p.m. in a Live stream.
He boosted the post to be sure it would be seen by people, then went on about his Thanksgiving holiday.
Then something interesting happened.
A week later, the owners at L5 Irrigation & Lighting Inc. reached out to Lance and offered to contribute another bicycle to the giveaway.
“They thought this could catch on and we could give away more bikes,” Lance said. “They liked the idea of getting kids outside and off their screens.”
Lance updated his original Facebook post thanking L5 Irrigation and the next thing he knew, the donations (from businesses and community members alike) began pouring in.
“Every day we’ve added more bikes,” Lance said. “It’s insane.”
The count is currently up to 25 bicycles, ranging from small bikes with training wheels to larger bicycles. Some have offered monetary donations, which Lance has used to purchase three smaller bikes for little kids.
“I can’t believe how big this thing has gotten,” Lance said. “Even the person who built my website, who lives in Florida, has donated!”
While the contributions have been an enormous blessing, they have also come with some slight challenges.
“I’ve got these bikes stored all over my house. I’ve got nine in my office, five in my wife’s craft room, some tucked behind the living room couch,” Lance said. “I have no idea how I’m going to deliver these things. But we’ll get it figured out!”
Originally from Collinsville, Lance and his wife lived in Sherman for a few years before moving to Whitesboro about four years ago.
“I’ve loved being back in Whitesboro,” Lance said. “Seeing everyone support this idea has been really cool, and it says a lot about our community. Stuff like this makes me really love our town.”
If you would like to contribute to the giveaway, please contact Robert Lance on the Elite Painting and Epoxy Coatings Facebook page. Anyone wanting to enter the giveaway (either for your own child or for a family in need) can locate the original post on that same page. Lance would like recipients to reside in the North Texas/Texoma area.
“This is to help make delivery of the bikes easier and to help us give back to our amazing communities who continue to support us,” Lance said. “You make this possible, and we thank you.”
