Second Annual Sun City Cyclists Bike Harvest for Charity It's almost time for our annual Bike Harvest for Charity. If you were a member last November, you'll remember that we harvested loved, but no-longer-ridden bicycles from across our community. We facilitated the donation of 105 bikes (and parts/accessories) to the Austin Yellow Bike Project (AYBP) a charitable 501(c)(3) corporation. AYBP in turn refurbished those bikes and provided them for sale, at very affordable prices, or donated them to charities and needy individuals in Central Texas. Our Georgetown Public Library was the recipient of five of those bikes. Our success last year was based on (1) community outreach so that our residents were aware of the program (and how they might be able to free up space in their garages while claiming a charitable donation!), and (2) our willingness to pick up bikes from residents homes, saving them the trouble of hauling them to a collection point. In effect, with an e-mail or telephone call, an SC resident can make a charitable donation. Well, the 2019 Harvest will follow the same approach as 2018 and will occur Tuesday through Saturday 12-16 November. AYBP will pick up the bikes that we collect sometime during the following week. To make the event successful we need your participation. Here are ways you can contribute: First, take a look at your own collection of bikes. Are there bikes you might want to donate? Extra room in the garage might be nice! Second, alert your friends and neighbors that we'll be harvesting bikes in November and encourage them to consider donating bikes they may have but aren't using. Let those folks know to e-mail [email protected] to schedule a pickup, or to call Leanne Smith at 571-977-8285 if they have any questions about the harvest process. Of course, we'll be providing information via CA Communicators, NRO Bulletin, and CA Bulletin Boards as the harvest period approaches. Third, make some time to volunteer. You can participate in the home pick-ups during the 12-16 November period, provide storage space in your garage for harvested bikes, or help with the transfer of the bikes to AYBP during the following week. If you can volunteer or have questions about volunteering, contact Bill McMillian at [email protected]. The harvest only works to the extent our club members make it work. With your help, the 2019 Bike Harvest for Charity will be an outstanding success. |
