I write one of these articles every year. As w start thinking about spring, we also start thinking about the things in our garage, our basement, and various places around our homes. Perhaps you have an old unused bike sitting there. Maybe there is that exercycle that you used regularly for awhile but haven’t used for over a year. Instead of putting this stuff in the garbage, here are some suggestions to help you recycle this stuff!
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
situation ally 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.
If you bike is a “Less than perfect Bike”, and 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.
Additionally, there is a wonderful organization nearby, in Wheaton, called His
Wheels International. HWI is 501 C-3 tax exempt not-for-profit cycling organization. Their mission is to provide pedal-powered transportation, with dignity, through global partnerships, as a tool for expanding Christ's Kingdom More complete information is available at www.hiswheels.org. To make arrangements to donate to this fine
organization, call their Executive Director, Alice Teisan at 630-510-1005.
And finally, what to do with that exercycle that isn’t being used anymore. Here is an organization that is looking for USED EXERCYCLES! Krejci Academy, 619 E. Franklin Ave., Naperville, IL 60540, phone 630-355-6870. Krejci Academy is an alternative school for children and adolescents, ages 3 to 21, who have developmental and social/emotional disabilities including Autism, PDD and Asperger's Syndrome. For additional Information contact Christian Taylor at 630--9686