ABC15 2nd Chance Bike Drive Expands This Year to Include Food Donations

It’s that time of year when St. Vincent de Paul, Earnhardt Auto Centers, ABC15 and KTAR News team up to help Arizona families – and this year’s drive comes with a twist. As both mobility and food insecurity are two key issues plaguing underprivileged families, this year’s effort will be known as the 2nd Chance Bike Drive and Food Drive, benefiting St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP).

Drive Overview

The month-long campaign will run from Sept. 1-30, encouraging community members to donate new or gently used bicycles, as well as nonperishable food items. Donations will help support individuals and families facing food insecurity while providing affordable transportation for people working toward greater independence. Together, these contributions can help neighbors access basic necessities, get fed, get to work, attend school and build a more stable future; a better second chance.

A bike or a box of food can make a difference in someone’s life, and we witness that every day at St. Vincent de Paul,” said Shannon Clancy, SVdP’s Rob & Melani Walton Endowed CEO. “A bike can give someone freedom and independence, while food can provide a family with peace of mind and one less uncertainty during an already difficult time. When our entire community comes together, every contribution matters, no matter how big or small. We’re grateful to Earnhardt, ABC15 and KTAR News for rallying our community and giving everyone an opportunity to do their part for our neighbors in need.

All month long, you can drop off food or a new or gently used bike at your closest Earnhardt Auto Center location around the Valley:

Earnhardt Auto Locations

Earnhardt Buick GMC 6315 E Auto Park Drive Mesa 85206
Earnhardt Cadillac 7901 E Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd Scottsdale 85260
Earnhardt Chandler Cadillac 1450 S Gilbert Road Chandler 85286
Earnhardt Chevrolet 24645 S. Ellsworth Rd Queen Creek 85142
Earnhardt Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 1521 E Drivers Way Gilbert 85297
Earnhardt Ford 7300 W Orchid Lane Chandler 85226
Earnhardt Honda 10151 W Papago Fwy Avondale 85323
Earnhardt Hyundai 10401 W Papago Fwy Avondale 85323
Earnhardt Hyundai North Scottsdale 8445 E Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd Scottsdale 85260
Earnhardt Lexus 800 E Camelback Road Phoenix 85014
Earnhardt Toyota 6136 E Auto Loop Ave. Mesa 85206
Earnhardt Peoria Kia 17431 N 91st Ave Peoria 85382
Earnhardt Queen Creek CDJR 35747 N Ellsworth Road Queen Creek 85144
Rodeo Ford 13680 W Test Drive Goodyear 85338
Earnhardt Hyundai – San Tan 3252 S Auto Way Gilbert 85297
Genesis of Chandler 1500 S. Gilbert Rd Chandler 85286
Genesis of Scottsdale 15345 N. Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale 85254

Where Bike Donations Go

St. Vincent de Paul offers bikes to neighbors working to rebuild their lives, including residents of SVdP’s interim housing community who are working or seeking employment and permanent housing, as well as low-income families and individuals. Children at SVdP’s NextPhase Family Dining Room can also receive bikes. Some donated bikes are also sold at SVdP’s thrift stores at an affordable price, giving members of the community the opportunity to purchase a bike while helping support SVdP programs that feed, clothe, house and heal neighbors in need.

Where Food Donations Go: 

Food donations directly support St. Vincent de Paul’s hunger relief programs, helping provide nearly 4,500 meals each day across its four charity dining rooms and 30+ community partners. Donated food also makes its way to more than 80 community food pantries across northern and central Arizona, where it is distributed to families in need through food boxes.

Other Ways to Support:

• Donate online: You can make a monetary contribution any time 
• Volunteer: Join SVdP's Bike Shop and help refurbish bikes or donate your time at SVdP's Central kitchen and dining rooms. 

SVdP's Bike Shop Role

Bike donations are processed through SVdP's Bike Shop, which has been operating for more than 10 years and refurbishes 100 bikes every month. Monetary donations are used to purchase supplies to repair gently used bicycles. In addition to providing bikes to people in need, the Bike Shop offers residents of SVdP’s transitional shelters and community members the opportunity to volunteer and help refurbish bikes.

Earnhardt Auto Centers' Commitment to Its Community

“Earnhardt Auto Centers and ABC15 have partnered for years to bring smiles to the faces of foster kids and those in need here in Arizona. At Earnhardt, we’re in the business of people, transportation and of supporting the communities that support us,” said Dodge Earnhardt, of Earnhardt Auto Centers. “It’s no secret that my grandfather Tex loved the Valley and loved helping those in need, both young and old. Investing in the future of our communities and this annual effort has always been near and dear to our hearts – as it was Tex’s.”

“The participation from the Phoenix-area community, combined with the enthusiasm of our employees across Earnhardt Auto Centers, has been amazing,” said Nature Earnhardt, Marketing Director of Sponsorships & Promotions for Earnhardt Auto Centers. “We look forward to doing this and seeing how much we can grow it. The partnership with St. Vincent de Paul has helped make this program successful every year since we started doing this with them.” 

“The number of donated bicycles is growing each year and as a result, even more deserving folks will get to experience the joy of getting a bike – something everyone young, old and in-between should get to experience because it really is the gateway to mobility,” said Bull Earnhardt, of Earnhardt Auto Centers. “We absolutely love this program and are looking forward to it each year - working with great program partners like our employees, local media [like ABC15 and KTAR] and an incredible charity group such as St. Vincent de Paul!”