It started with an end-of-the-year tradition: Kevin Daloia and his friends would decorate their bikes in lights and take a ride through the Bronx dressed as holiday characters.

What You Need To Know

  • Kevin Daloia has used his love of bikes to cover many service opportunities. He's greatly involved with Transportation Alternatives and is also in charge of the Ghost Bikes

  • Every year in December, his friends get together and do a special bike ride where they decorate their bikes in lights and dress up as holiday characters

  • It was through his friend that Daloia first heard of the Sandy Claus Project. Only the Bronx was not participating, so the bike enthusiast jumped in and added delivering gifts as part of the holiday ride

  • It's a long ride at a cold time of year, but Daloia says the joy and excitement the kids get from seeing Santa pull up on a bike with a gift, really makes it worth it

Daloia is a longtime bike enthusiast and advocate. Four years ago, he heard from a friend about the Secret Sandy Claus Project, a nonprofit that sends out volunteers dressed as Santa Claus to personally deliver toys to children in need across New York City.

After realizing the Bronx was the only borough not participating, Daloia made it a part of their light up ride.

“We try to make it fun. I mean, I have a great time myself. I’m Santa,” Daloia said. “I have time. I don’t have money. But I have time, so I do what I can.”

Now, during the month of December, when most bikers choose not to brave the cold, Daloia’s holiday gang delivers presents to over 30 families in the Bronx.

“When you knock on the door and it’s like Santa at the door, it really is awesome. I enjoy it, you know,” said Daloia with a smile.

It’s no small feat. Daloia estimates that he averages about 12 miles on delivery nights, but the smiles on the kids’ faces make it all worth it.

For lighting up the season of giving, Kevin Daloia is our New Yorker of the Week.