Get bikes to people in need of reliable transportation

It's that time of year when St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) asks the community to support those in need by providing reliable transportation by donating new or gently used bikes to the 2nd Chance Bike Drive.

Throughout the month of September, Earnhardt Auto Centers, BIG 94.5 radio, LIVE 101.5 radio and ABC15 will be raising awareness and donations around the need for new and used bicycles at SVdP. These bikes can be a big help for low-income men, women and families needing affordable transportation.

“For the vulnerable guests we serve, having a bike is more than just a set of wheels,” said Shannon Clancy, SVdP’s Rob & Melani Walton Endowed CEO. “A bike can be the difference between unemployment and employment, going to school or not, retrieving groceries or going hungry, accessing health care or going without treatment. That’s why every bike donation counts. Because each bike is an opportunity to improve someone’s life.”

On Saturday, Sept. 23, SVdP volunteers will be at all 17 Earnhardt Dealerships from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. collecting new or used bicycles to be donated:

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 2121 N Arizona Ave. Chandler 85225

Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram 1521 E Drivers Way Gilbert 85297

Earnhardt Ford 7300 W Orchid Lane Chandler 85226

Earnhardt Genesis of Gilbert 3252 S. Auto Way Gilbert 85297

Earnhardt Genesis of North Scottsdale 15345 N Scottsdale Rd. #K150 Scottsdale 85260

Earnhardt Honda 10151 W Papago Fwy Avondale 85323

Earnhardt Hyundai Avondale 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

Queen Creek Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 35747 N Ellsworth Road Queen Creek 85142

Rodeo Ford 13680 W Test Drive Goodyear 85338

San Tan Hyundai 3252 S Auto Way Gilbert 85297

Other ways to donate include:

• On Wednesday, Sept. 13, 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.
• Donate any time online at stvincentdepaul.net/bicycle

St. Vincent de Paul’s Bike Shop has been repairing bikes for 12 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 shelters, resource center, or neighborhood food pantries. During 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 Earnhardt, media and 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 make this program successful and this year, we’re excited that Audacy Radio has joined us to make this year even better.”

“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, St. Vincent de Paul and Audacy Radio!”