Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we make and we make a life by what we give.” For longtime North Haven resident Dan Perrotto, giving back to others has been a lifetime commitment with involvement in various community and church activities, especially his program “Bikes for Babes,” which provides bicycles for area children living in difficult conditions.

“Bikes for Babes was created and founded by me over 15 years ago. It started as a simple gesture when I bought a bike and donated it to a neighborhood boy who lost his father,” Perrotto said. “From there, the generosity mushroomed, and with the assistance of generous donors and local businesses and organizations, I have been able to make many children happy with a new bike.”

“My parents always taught me the meaning of giving back and they would remind me never forget where you came from and always help others,” he added

Perrotto explained that when he was a child, times were tough and he felt the void of not owning a bike of his own. His dream of wanting to give back to children in need is truly the magic of what a new bike can bring. Through Perrotto’s efforts, over 1,800 new bikes have been distributed to children in New Haven County.

“People’s generosity and assistance have been tremendous,” Perrotto said. “Through my non-profit organization, many organizations and recipients — including the Farnam Neighborhood House in New Haven, Saint Frances Home for Children, Aces Temple Street in North Haven, New Haven Boys and Girls Club, CT Department of Children and Families, Circle of Care Kids with Cancer, The Ronald McDonald House, several churches and schools throughout New Haven County, and Hurricane Katrina victims who relocated to New Haven — have received new bikes.

“My foundation has become a network reaching out to many,” he added.

Perrotto tries to get a bike for as many impoverished boys and girls as he can. His work is a year-round project and he’s very busy during the holidays. Besides receiving help from local businesses, organizations and individuals, Perrotto is grateful for the assistance of his wife Angelina, his daughters Andrea and Danielle, his sons-in-law Nicholas and Kevin, and neighbors and friends, especially his next door neighbor who allows Perrotto to store bikes in his shed.

“I am very grateful to all who have helped me through the years and all those who are still by my side, aiding me in bringing happiness and smiles to needy children with a gift of a bike for Christmas, birthday or special occasion,” said Perrotto. “I started with the neighborhood kids, then with the churches, and then organizations joined in. It is word of mouth that has brought people to my door. Unfortunately, I can’t help everyone, but I am doing my best to help as many as possible by giving to one child at a time.”

Due to safety reasons, Perrotto can only accept brand new bikes. Donations can include helmets, monetary gifts to purchase new bikes, tricycles and 12-, 16- or 20-inch two-wheel bicycles with or without training wheels.

“I feel happy and like a kid myself with a great sense of gratitude when I see the smiles on the children’s faces when I deliver them new bikes. It makes me sad to see children with nothing, but my sadness turns to joy when a bike makes their day,” Perrotto said. “I remember meeting one little boy who was dressed in ripped clothes and upon seeing me he called me Santa Claus.”

Perrotto grew up in New Haven and moved to North Haven in 1973 where he and Angelina raised their daughters. He has been very active in volunteering and has served as chairman of the Inland Wetland Commission, a member of the Montowese Fire Association, coached in the Max Sinoway Little League, taught religious education and is a Eucharist Minister at Saint Therese Church, a member of Saint Andrews Society of New Haven, and a member of the American Legion Post #76.

“Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back and it gives you an opportunity to feel needed as you bring hope and kindness to someone in need. These difficult economic times have caused suffering and stress to so many, and the holiday season is particularly difficult,” Perrotto said. “Christmas is a time for children and giving, and my Christmas gift is to present a child with a bike and watch with a happy heart while he or she pedals away with a smile.”

Perrotto is thrilled with the progress his foundation has made, the people he works with, and the lives he has touched as evident in his collection of various letters from recipients. Each one is a heart-warming story depicting the importance of giving, and what better way to give than with a gift from the heart.

“I enjoy my work and I will continue to pedal new bikes into children’s lives for as long as I can,” added Perrotto. “It is great to see the many smiles and the goodness that comes when people work together for the wonderful cause called hope and happiness.”

For more information or to make a donation, please contact Dan Perrotto at 203-239-2143.