Every year we take a day to work for a local non-profit, while having the most fun possible! In December, the TWC crew had the opportunity to spread some holiday cheer by volunteering for Bicycle Longmont’s 2014 Annual Holiday Bike Program for the second time. We repaired and cleaned donated bikes in preparation for them to be given to children primarily in the Longmont community. Each of us worker-elves got to try our hands at removing rust, polishing frames, changing tires, replacing tire tubes and pedals, and generally turning trash into treasure.
Each of us restored and cleaned at least four to five bikes throughout the day while at Bicycle Longmont’s garage. Steve, Brandon, and Michael took time to organize the trailer that would transport the bikes over to the local YMCA, so that the organization’s staff could fit as many bikes as possible. During the day, Steve became the unofficial bike repair teacher, as he showed Brandon and Michael how to change out tubing. He also took some time to demonstrate to Michael how to properly change a bike chain.
While the boys were outside organizing the trailer, Karen repaired several flat tires. Dianna, Myra, and Katie put the bike polish and cleaner to good use as they restored the shine of each and every bike they touched. All four of us gave our best effort to make sure that the bikes would be truly special for whoever received them. No speck of dirt or rust was missed!
We had a surprise visit from a Longmont Times-Call newspaper journalist, who came to get notes and photos for an article on the Holiday Bike Program. The team continued to have lots of fun as our volunteer day turned into a bit of a photo shoot. You can check out the Longmont Time-Call article on Bicycle Longmont here.
Bicycle Longmont has teamed up with the local YMCA for the past five years to distribute bicycles to the underprivileged in Longmont, and is still going strong. The newest selection of roughly 200 donated bikes was handed out on December 13th, 2014. The Holiday Bike Program has become a major staple for the Longmont community, and will continue to be for years to come. If you are local and interested in helping a good cause, then consider donating an older bike to the program for next year, or maybe even volunteering to help with the program next holiday season. If you’re not in Longmont, your community is likely to have a similar program. Enjoy this season of giving!