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By Geri Gibbons

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Sue Greenfield of HKQ Kids, front right, sizes a bicycle helmet on Grace Marshall, 10, of Wilkes-Barre, as her father, Allen talks with Atty. Joe Quinn during the helmet giveaway at Kirby Park.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_TTL070515FourthOfJuly_3.jpg.optimal.jpgSue Greenfield of HKQ Kids, front right, sizes a bicycle helmet on Grace Marshall, 10, of Wilkes-Barre, as her father, Allen talks with Atty. Joe Quinn during the helmet giveaway at Kirby Park.

WILKES-BARRE — The spirit of both celebration and safety prevailed at Kirby Park on Saturday in spite of rain showers that had many taking shelter under umbrellas and in tented areas of the Fourth of July fireworks annual event.

For the eighth consecutive year, children 12 and under were given free bicycle helmets as a result of the efforts of the Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn Foundation for Children’s Advocacy, also known as HKQ Kids and administered by the Luzerne Foundation.

To Attorney Michelle M. Quinn, spokesman for HKQ Kids, the effort provided an opportunity to both give back to the community and to spend time with several generations of her family.

Daughter Emily Aikens, 11, was on hand, enthusiastically giving away helmets, knowing that recipients would be safe as they took to the streets on their bikes, or tricycles.

“Its really neat when you’re driving down the street and you see someone with the HKQ helmet on,” Aikens said. “You know they are putting them to good use.”

Attorney Joseph A. Quinn, Jr., a senior partner at the firm, father of Michelle and grandfather of Emily, joined in the feeling of family and community, which he said drives the firm.

“Eight years ago we had a very good year and sharing it with others seemed like absolutely the right thing to do,” said Joseph A. Quinn. “Throughout the years, it has been more than a pleasure to help others.”

In addition to the helmet giveaway, HKQ kids also runs other community-based programs throughout the year, including a Toys in Toyland program during the Christmas season, which educates parents in regard to toy safety.

Michelle Quinn said it was anticipated that over 1,300 helmets would be given away, with 13,000 helmets having been given away during the event’s history.

Sue Greenfield, event organizer and office manager, lauded the firm’s employees for their commitment to the event and to helping members of the community.

“Early this morning, even during a downpour, volunteers were here setting up the tent and getting ready for the giveaway,” said Greenfield.

She estimated 40 to 50 volunteers from the firm participated in the event throughout the day.

For Chris Gulliksen, 4, receipt of the helmet seemed like perfect timing.

“He recently go his first bicycle,” said father, Christopher, “and now he has a helmet to go with it.”

Beth Mullen, brought her children out to get helmets, both to keep them safe as atop their bikes and as an opportunity to spend family time together.

Although special bags were provided to tote the helmets home, Cainen Mullen, 5, didn’t see the need for carrying the helmet when he could wear it home.

“He loves riding his bike,” said Beth Mullen. “He learned when he was just a little over 4.”

Heidi McDonough of Dunmore brought her three sons to get a helmet to keep them safe in style.

Even son Declan, 15 months, is looking forward to riding a “balance bike” in the near future, accompanied by brothers Colin, 4, and Elliott, 3.

All helmets distributed at the event meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards, and came equipped with a user’s manual and CPSC label of certification.

Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons