It may only be October, but engineering students at West Virginia University are already planning a way to help area children have a happy holiday season.

The WVU chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honorary, is gearing up for its Fall Bike Drive Oct. 26-Nov. 2.

Bikes for children or adults that are in repairable condition will be accepted, then fixed and donated to area residents in need.

Bikes may be dropped off at any time during the drive at the Area 41 parking lot behind the Engineering Sciences Building on the Evansdale Campus (signs will be posted to direct people to the dropoff location) and from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, in front of the Mountainlair.

The engineering students are co-sponsoring the drive with Positive Spin, a local nonprofit organization that encourages alternative transportation and serves as a bicycle recycling center.

Thanks to this program, children whose families couldnt afford bikes are now able to get them,said Neil Buzzard, vice president of Tau Beta Pi.We are happy to be able to make a difference in the community and in childrens lives.

Positive Spin also will accept bicycle donations from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at its headquarters in Grand Central Station during the bike drive.

For more information, e-mail nbuzzard@mix.wvu.edu or call Positive Spin at 304-276-0213.