Boy’s Stolen Bicycle Brings Claremore Community Together

A 12-year-old boy's stolen bike is helping to highlight the good in Claremore.

Crooks took his bike Halloween night, but the community is stepping up to help.

During his free time, 12-year-old Julian Williams likes to help out at the historic Belvidere Mansion. The home, built in the early 1900s, now partly serves as a restaurant and non-profit.

Through hard work, Williams bought a bright red Schwinn bicycle with the money he earned.

"I see it and I'm like, it's kinda like love at first sight – Cinderella, but with bikes," he said.

But on Halloween night, the bike disappeared.

His mother first posted about the stolen bike on Facebook, then, the Rogers County Sheriff's office shared it.

Sheriff Scott Walton said, "He learns at an early age what it feels to be a victim, and that's followed up by the brighter side."

From there, people started dropping off checks and donations at the Bennett 66 pharmacy.

"With all the negativity that comes around and goes around, you have the shining light that comes with being a part of helping someone in general," said Terry Holbrook who is collecting donations.

Some even gave cash in person.

With the donations and by busing tables, it only took Williams three days to save enough money to buy the bike.

He said he's overwhelmed and thankful so many people stepped up.

"I just think, ‘Why me?’ Because I know this happens to a lot of people," he said.

At last check, nearly $300 has been donated.

Williams said he wants to donate what's left to the Belvidere Mansion