Get bikes to people in need of reliable transportation

With sky-high gas prices and strained budgets, bicycles are one of the top needs at St. Vincent de Paul right now. The SVdP Bike Shop is so low on supply it doesn't have enough bikes to give to all the people turning to the shop for a set of wheels to get to work, school, doctors appointments, the grocery store and more.

That's what SVdP couldn't be more excited for the Second Chance Bike Drive happening all month long with partners ABC15 and Earnhardt Auto Centers. Throughout the drive partners will raise awareness around the need for new and used bicycles at SVdP, helping low-income men, women and families with affordable transportation.

“A bike plays an essential role in the lives of the people we serve at St. Vincent de Paul. It improves access to healthcare, education, economic opportunities, and physical and mental health,” said Shannon Clancy, associate CEO at St Vincent de Paul. “Whether it goes to families, guests, organizations we partner with that provide bikes for the people they serve, or to one of our thrift stores to provide an affordable option for someone in need, bikes provide reliable transportation and help break the cycle of poverty. They empower individuals to fulfill their potential to gain stability and seek a better life.”

On Saturday, Sept. 17, SVdP volunteers will be at all 19 Earnhardt Dealerships from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. collecting new or used bicycles to be donated:

Other ways to donate include:

• On Tuesday, Sept. 20, tune in to the ABC15 phone bank happening on air from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., 11a.m – 1p.m and 4 – 7 p.m. to collect cash donations for the effort. Those donations go toward funding bike repairs and replacement parts, including tubes, tires, new seats, and cleaning supplies.
• Donations will also be accepted any time by texting BIKEDRIVE (one word) to 602-500-0201.

St. Vincent de Paul’s Bike Shop has been repairing bikes for 11 years. The nonprofit partners with other community organizations to give the repaired bikes to people who need a low-cost form of transportation to get to school and work. It also offers bikes to people seeking help at SVdP through its shelter, resource center, or neighborhood food pantries. Over the holiday season, children’s bikes may be provided to young dining room guests who achieve academic goals at school. In addition to providing bikes to people in need, the bike shop also gives shelter residents the opportunity to volunteer in the shop and refurbish bikes to be sold at SVdP’s thrift stores. The funding generated through the sales of bikes go directly to support SVdP’s programs and services.

“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 Hal Earnhardt III, president of Earnhardt Auto Centers.  “It’s no secret that my father 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 Bradshaw, media & promotions director for Earnhardt Auto Centers. “We look forward to doing this each year and seeing how much we can grow it. The partnership with St Vincent de Paul has helped this program be even more successful…providing transportation to those in need.”

“The number of bicycles donated 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,” said Derby Earnhardt, Tex Earnhardt’s grandson. “We absolutely love this program and are looking forward to it each year …working with great program partners like ABC15 and St. Vincent de Paul!”