In Panama City, Florida, kids in need will get bikes as Christmas gifts. Mike Jones, aka Salvage Santa, will rebuild and give away at least 200 bicycles this Christmas. It’s a tradition he started 30 years ago while working as a detective for the Panama City Police Department.
Jones spent 20 years with the Panama City Police Department before retiring. He’s spent the last couple decades in charge of security for Bay District Schools.
Jones calls it his ministry to the community and credits local businesses and individuals for helping him make it happen. He spends thousands of dollars each year buying parts, including sets of gear shifts which are $50 a set. He used to worry about where the money would come from until one night he lay in bed worrying and praying about where he would get the $500 he needed to buy new parts for bikes waiting for repair. The next day, he got a call from the Kiwanis Club offering him a check to help him buy parts.
This is super cool. This year, Mike Rowe decided to shine a spotlight on Salvage Santa!! Watch the video above. Mike Rowe has a FB show called, "Pay It Forward" and his latest episode focuses on Mike Jones!!