South Church collecting old bikes for charity

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November 5, 2009

South Church held its third used bike drive last year and collected more than 120 bicycles, bringing its three-year total to 588. On Saturday, it will try to add to the total.

Over the last three years and based on BNB yearly averages, Andover area residents have contributed 178 bikes to a youth service programs in Boston, while shipping 410 bikes to economic-development programs in Africa, Central America or the Caribbean.

Organizer Scott Helmers attributes the success of the local drives "to a strong desire on the part of Andover residents to recycle. In addition, people recognize that this is an excellent cause. They know that by donating to BNB, their bikes will get a second life in places where they can really make a difference in someone's life."

In the last 25 years, Bikes Not Bombs has collected and distributed more than 37,000 bicycles abroad. In addition, BNB sent hundreds of bikes to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. Some of the donated bicycles are used for recreation, but many make it possible for someone to get to work or to bring produce or other goods to market.

On Saturday, Nov. 7, South Church will hold its fourth drive to collect used but serviceable bicycles. All bikes are welcome: adults or kids; nearly new or needing repair. The collection will be held in front of South Church at 41 Central St., Andover, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

According to Helmers, "The South Church bike drive is BNB's only Massachusetts bicycle collection north of Boston this fall, so this is an excellent opportunity to get those old bikes out of your basement or garage."

Bikes Not Bombs encourages an optional donation of $10 per bicycle to defray part of the storage, processing and shipping costs, which average $20 per bike. Bikes Not Bombs is an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit, so donations are deductible to the extent provided by law.

Andover businesswoman Lillian Montalto has donated her truck again this year to pick up bikes on Thursday and Friday for people who can't drop them at South Church on Saturday. For additional information, contact Scott Helmer at eshelmers@harvardcomputing.com or 978-800-4590, ext. 103.