Local Youths Conduct a Bike Drive for a Good Cause

Every Christmas, the YNOT Youth Group feeds the homeless at William’s Park. This past holiday conversations about transportation sparked the crew’s idea to help out in a creative and hands-on way.

“We were talking to the homeless people and found that lack of transportation causes a lot of obstacles,” said Youth Minister, Nick Harper.

A unlimited bus pass on the PSTA system costs $65 a month. Seniors pay $35. For someone with no income who is trying to get back on their feet, purchasing a bus pass is a luxury.

YNOT Ministries brainstormed after their Christmas experience in William’s Park.

“We thought, if we get bikes and fix them up, then we will have bikes to give away as transportation,’” Harper said.

Youths with YNOT Ministries will soon take responsibility to restore the bikes into riding shape. There has yet to be a donation of a mint-condition cycle, so the work load is heavy.

The group has received nine bikes to date. Currently, YNOT Ministries is looking for a vacant space to call their workshop. They are hoping for a donation of an empty garage or storage unit.

There is no cut off date to this charity. Nick Harper and his team of teenagers and pre-teens are looking to make the bike restoration project a year-round event.

“We’d like to continue with this,” said Harper. “So, we will see what happens.”