DETROIT – Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K) Detroit, is once again calling on the public to donate used bicycles on Saturday, September 27 from 9am to 2pm at locations throughout Southeast Michigan. Since 2018, FB4K Detroit has given away 14,614 bikes to local kids in need. Each bike includes a free, properly sized helmet.
“Bike collection day inspires our entire FB4K family every year,” said Bob Barnes, FB4K Detroit, Executive Director. “People in our community really show their true colors when they donate their time and their kid’s beloved but outgrown wheels. Last year we collected over 2,500 bikes and we’re confident we can beat that this year with the incredible support of the public, our team and our volunteers. It’s literally a win-win-win as we help donors clear out their garage, keep the bikes out of the waste stream and get an under resourced child a new set of shiny wheels before the holidays. And everyone has fun on collection day – the bike donors, the volunteers at all the donation locations and the team at our warehouse unloading thousands of bikes. We all understand the effect a bike has on a child’s physical and emotional health and there is a celebratory atmosphere all day long.”
On September 27, from 9 am to 2 pm, the community can donate used bikes at 10 locations across metro Detroit. Specific drop off locations, including addresses, can be found at http://www.fb4kdetroit.org/locations. The flagship donation site will be at Woodward Corners this year – the Corewell Health shopping center at the southwest corner of 13 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue. iHeart radio station 106.7 WLLZ Detroit’s Wheels, will be broadcasting from the location and will host a live band, Holeshot. In addition, Brown Iron Brewhouse will have their food truck available and be offering coupons to bike donors at this location.
Donated bikes will be delivered to a warehouse provided by the Piston Group at 4015 Michigan Avenue in Detroit, where they will be stored, cleaned and refurbished. Volunteers of all skill levels are needed between September 29 and December 4 for cleaning and repair. Just before the Christmas holiday, the bikes will be given to under-resourced kids through pre-registered faith-based and community organizations, and schools,
“Our collaboration with FB4K Detroit is meaningful to our company and our community,” said Piston Group Founder and Chairman Vinnie Johnson. “After all the bikes are donated, we need hundreds of volunteers over the next three months, to help get them ready. It’s a perfect opportunity for organizations or companies looking for a positive, charitable, team-building activity,” said Johnson.
Interested volunteers can go to fb4kdetroit.org to sign up for a three-hour volunteer shift. Groups can schedule a shift by emailing volunteer@fb4kdetroit.org. Volunteers will be matched to their skill levels.
“Piston Group is honored to be able to donate 30,000 square feet of space in our Michigan Avenue facility, in the heart of Corktown, to house this worthwhile effort. We hope companies from across the area will send volunteer teams to get these bikes ready for the December giveaway,” Johnson says.
