By Mayor Todd Nock / Special to the Arrowhead
What began as a quiet act of generosity has grown into a powerful community tradition rooted in love, legacy, and service. On December 20, the 2nd Annual Sandra Nock Bicycle Giveaway blessed 94 children across Pocomoke City with brand new bicycles and far exceeding this year’s goal of 75. The giveaway honors the legacy of my late mother, Sandra Nock, whose compassion and instinct to serve others inspired the effort long before it carried an official name.
The idea began years ago when my mother personally purchased a bicycle for a child during a church toy giveaway and encouraged a few others to do the same. My mom bought one bike and got a few people to join her, she did not make a big announcement about it. She just saw a need and responded. She passed away the following year, and I knew I wanted to keep that spirit alive.
Although bicycles were distributed informally in 2023, with two bikes purchased and given to children, the initiative was still in its earliest stages. In 2024, the effort expanded significantly, resulting in 48 bicycles being distributed. That same year, the initiative was officially named the Sandra Nock Bicycle Giveaway, marking the first official year of the event. Building on that momentum, the 2025 giveaway was designated as the 2nd Annual Sandra Nock Bicycle Giveaway, with an ambitious goal set of 75 bicycles. The community response surpassed expectations, ultimately providing 94 bicycles to local children.
I was extremely nervous about setting the goal at 75, going from 48 to that number felt like a stretch. But once again, my village showed up in a way that reminds me why I believe so deeply in this community. As mayor of Pocomoke City and a lifelong resident the giveaway is both deeply personal and closely tied to my vision for leadership. This has truly become a labor of love. Pocomoke raised me. This community invested in me, and now I feel called to invest back into our children. This is about more than bikes. It is about dignity, hope, and making sure our kids know they matter.
The success of the giveaway is credited to the collective efforts of his family, friends, volunteers, donors, and the Greater New Macedonia Baptist Church family, whose support and service were instrumental in making the event possible. Families gathered on December 20 as children eagerly received their bicycles, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement, gratitude, and community pride. For many families, the giveaway provided both practical support and a sense of joy heading into the holiday season. As the Sandra Nock Bicycle Giveaway continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the impact of servant leadership and the power of small acts of kindness. What began with one bike now moves forward each year with dozens more, carrying a legacy of love and service throughout Pocomoke City.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Special thanks to Mayor Nock for assisting the Arrowhead with a write-up for this wonderful event. I welcome anyone to help out with writing about community happenings, events, and stories.
