Coeur d’Alene, ID — For many, receiving their first bicycle is a cherished memory. This holiday season, a local non-profit is working to ensure kids in need can experience that joy.
The Lake City Bicycle Co-op refurbishes donated bicycles year-round and gifts them to individuals and families in need. Each year, the co-op restores about 500 bicycles, with around 150 of those given as Christmas presents.
Volunteers devote countless hours to transforming donated bikes into like-new condition. This year, the non-profit is asking for community support to ensure every child on their list gets their holiday wish.
“When you see there are families that don’t have what feels like the basics of childhood, it just feels like it was time to do something,” said Rose Backs, a board member of the Lake City Bicycle Co-op.
Community members can contribute by donating old bicycles, volunteering to help with repairs, or making a cash/check donation. The co-op emphasizes that bicycles foster a sense of connection to the community.
Funds raised go toward refurbishing bikes that might otherwise end up in the county landfill. The refurbished bikes are returned to the community at little or no cost, and the organization also provides educational programs to teach riders the rules of the road.
The co-op says its greatest need is right now, as they prepare to bring smiles to children’s faces this Christmas.
For more information on how to help, visit the Bicycles for Kids website.
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