News from Across the Conference: Bike collection far exceeds expectations
HAGERSTOWN ? When the organizers for Otterbein UMC's bike drive set their goals, they hoped to collect at least 50 bikes to provide transportation for people in developing countries.
 CINDY BROWN |
| Mike Johnson, in white shirt, from Otterbein UMC, organized a successful bicycle collection. |
When the three-hour drive was over, they had 285 bikes, exceeding the record of 234 that had previously been collected on a first-time drive, said Cindy Brown, the church's director of programs.
Keith Ohberg from Bikes for the World (formerly Pedals for Progress) picked up 185 bikes in a 24-foot box truck and members delivered the remainder to the Arlington, Va.-based organization for shipment, Brown said. Another 50 junkers were broken down for parts.
Ten volunteers from the church worked throughout the day collecting and preparing the bikes for shipment. Most of the Otterbein bikes have been shipped to Guatemala.
Bikes for the World is a non-profit organization that sponsors bike collections throughout the area.
The drive was such a success in the community, Otterbein is already planning for next year's, Brown said.
Login/Register to leave comment