Wanted: Old bikes, sewing machines for families in need
Has your son outgrown his bicycle? Or maybe Grandma's sewing machine is just sitting there, collecting dust.
Put both to good use by donating them at the Newtown Rotary Club's bicycle and sewing machine drive on Saturday, Oct. 29.
Donations will benefit the nonprofit Pedals for Progress and Sewing Peace. Each year, the organizations collect between 3,000 and 5,000 items for those in need. To date, more than 162,000 bicycles and 5,200 sewing machines have been shipped to developing countries in Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe.
Adult and children's bicycles and sewing machines can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and noon at the parking lot across from Olde Church of St. Andrew, 135 S. Sycamore St.
Bikes should be rust free. Children's tricycles, "bikes for parts" or disassembled bikes will not be accepted, but bikes with flat tires or in need of some repair can be donated. Portable sewing machines should be in working condition. Sewing notions can be donated, but not fabric.
The bikes will be reconditioned by partner agencies and distributed at low cost to poor working adults. Bikes provide reliable transportation for commuting to work, transporting product to market, and greater mobility to access health care and other services.
Sewing machine shipments support educational programs and generate income opportunities that may otherwise remain out of reach for many people.
It costs $45 to collect, process, ship, rebuild and distribute each bicycle, so the group is asking for a $20 donation per item.
For more information on Pedals for Progress/Sewing Peace, visit p4p.org or contact Dr. Jerry Agasar at drjerry@agasarfamilywellcare.com or 215-605-3268.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Newtown Rotary holding annual bicycle, sewing machine drive
