Southeast Technical College Celebrates Community Service With Bicycle Giveaway

Southeast Technical College distributed 40 bicycles to local youths, students, and community agencies to mark the conclusion of its Fall 2026 Service to Community Days, SiouxFalls.Business reported.

The giveaway follows a period of intensive volunteerism that wrapped up in October. While the college has long prioritized community service, this year’s event featured a new tradition of holding a specific celebration to recognize the impact of these collective efforts.

“This year is exciting,” said Kristin Wellnitz, STC Days coordinator. “While Southeast Tech has valued community service over the years, this year marks the first time we are holding a special event at the conclusion.”

The bicycle project was made possible through a multi-organizational partnership. Southeast Tech employees and volunteers worked alongside Spoke-N-Sport, the Center of Hope Bike Ministry, the STC Foundation, and South Dakota EMS for Children to assemble the 40 bikes.

Beyond the physical act of assembly, the initiative addressed practical needs for mobility and independence within the Sioux Falls area. For many recipients, a bicycle is a vital tool for traveling their environment.

“At Center of Hope, we see how something as simple as a bicycle can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Bicycles provide more than just transportation — they can offer greater independence and access to opportunities,” said Benjamin Geiszler, bike ministry coordinator at Center of Hope.

The bicycle assembly was only one component of the broader Fall 2026 Service to Community Days. The initiative mobilized many students and staff to address local needs through manual labor and creative projects.

The scale of the volunteer effort is reflected in the following data from the service period:

Service Activity	Quantity Produced/Completed
Volunteer participants	311
Total volunteer service hours	More than 350
Encouragement rocks decorated	288
Cards created for veterans	134
Pet toys for Sioux Falls Area Humane Society	135
Placemats decorated for nursing homes	103
Tie blankets assembled for children	15

These figures highlight a diverse range of support, from assisting the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society to providing comfort items for veterans and residents in local nursing homes.

For the students and staff at Southeast Technical College, the service days represent a bridge between classroom learning and civic responsibility. The college aims to foster a culture where professional preparation is paired with community engagement.

“Service to Community Days reflects who we are as an institution,” Wellnitz said. “Our employees and students don’t just prepare for careers. These bikes, cards, rocks, blankets and placemats represent teamwork, generosity and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our community.”

The integration of service into the academic calendar suggests an evolving model for technical colleges, where the “soft skills” of teamwork and community awareness are treated with the same importance as technical proficiency.