Information: fb4katl.org
Self-described “bikeaholic” Terry Esau heard about a family in need who wanted to give their child a bike but couldn’t afford one. Esau asked neighbors if they had any bikes they weren’t using anymore. That ask quickly turned into 250 bikes and Free Bikes 4 Kidz was born in Esau’s garage, at his home in Minneapolis, Minn.
That was back in 2008. The Minneapolis-based organization expanded to Atlanta in October and kicked off its efforts with a bike collection drive. With the help of volunteers, the organization will refurbish and repair over 400 bikes Nov. 5-6 for its Giveaway Day in December.
“For many kids, a bike is their first taste of freedom. Bikes encourage kids to get outside and be active, making exercise fun and social. Regular physical activity in children is proven to help reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It also has been shown to improve psychological well-being and is correlated with higher academic performance in the classroom. For lower income kids, where transportation may be an everyday issue, that bike can mean even more in terms of access and opportunity,” said Chris Larson, co-executive director of Free Bikes 4 Kidz Atlanta.
The kids are chosen by nonprofits, community organizations, schools and faith-based organizations that FB4K partners with. Organizations must apply for bikes through the nonprofit’s website and meet the criteria listed to be considered.
The community at large can still donate bicycles on given drop-off weekends, help repair and clean the bikes, or volunteer on Giveaway Day.
Every year, 25 million bikes are sold in the United States. Approximately one-third of those bikes are of the 20-inch wheel size or smaller, which means an estimated 8 million bikes are outgrown each year by children.
Since 2008, Free Bikes 4 Kidz has given away over 32,000 refurbished bikes annually.
In other news: Tin Lizzy's Cantina donated $40,000 worth of food to Second Helpings Atlanta, a nonprofit organization whose vision is to eliminate hunger in the five county Metropolitan Atlanta area by rescuing surplus food and delivering it to those in needs. The company delivered food that was distributed to these partner agencies: Sandy Springs Community Assistance Center, U Hope, Atlanta Mission, My Sister's House, Mary Hall Freedom House, 7 Bridges to Recovery, Malachi Storehouse, True Worship Christian Fellowship, and North Fulton Community Charities.
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