I write one of these articles every year. As we think about the things in our garage, we always start thinking about spring. Perhaps you have an old unused bike sitting there. Instead of putting the old bike in the garbage here are some suggestions to help you recycle your old bike!
Donate your adult bicycle (in good repair) to the Northwest DuPage Walk-In Ministry. This organization is classified a 501c3, so all donations are deductible to the fullest extent of the law. A donation letter will be given to anyone wishing to donate. Simply contact the Site Coordinator at 630-375-7185. They’ll get the bicycle to a needy person.
The Catholic Charities office in DuPage operates a shelter in Villa Park by the name of the DuPage Emergency Shelter. It is a 24-hour year round program which serves individuals (men and women) and families who are situationally homeless, often due to job loss, divorce or depleted savings. During the stay at the shelter, Catholic Charities case manager’s work with the individuals and families to regain self sufficiency and independence. The shelter offers a safe place to stay while residents work toward securing employment. . A minimum of six job contacts per day are made in order to attain employment within the first week. The clients rely on BICYCLES to search for employment and to go to their appointments within the community. If you are aware of anyone in the community who would be able to donate working bicycle for the adult clients, direct them to the shelter supervisor at 630-941-8681 with any questions and to discuss a potential donation.
Another place to donate your adult bike in good condition is to the Serenity House, 891 South Rt. 53 in Addison, Illinois. Director David Tews Will place the bike appropriately.Serenity House can be reached at 630-620-6616 x104.
Less than perfect Bikes-If you are thinking your old bike belongs in the landfill, please think again. There is an organization located in Chicago called The Working Bikes Cooperative. This organization sees discarded and/or donated bikes as tools that can significantly improve the lives and opportunities of people in less developed countries. The Cooperative is working toward providing second lives for many bikes in places where they will provide people in rural village with transportation to and from work, with a way to get products to market, to connect with neighboring villages and as a means of improving health, recreating and socializing. Some of the bikes will stay in Chicago where people who need an inexpensive working bike can usually pick one up for $35 to $65.Information on the Working Bikes Cooperative is available at www.workingbikes.org or 312-421-5048.
And finally, there is a wonderful organization here in Wheaton called His Wheel International. HWI is a bicycle service organization providing Christian missions with bicycles and bicycle expertise, nationally and internationally. More complete information is available at www.hiswheelsintl.org To make arrangements to donate to this fine organization, call their Executive Director, Alice Teisan at 630-510-1005. All contributions to HWI are tax-deductible.