Altruistic Answers from Jenna Cammisa: Charities in the Spotlight

Our newest column “Altruistic Answers: Charities in the Spotlight” features Q&As with Rye, Rye Brook and Port Chester residents who have founded, participate in or help with the many non-profit and charities in our communities. Here is our first feature on Linking Handlebars.

Organization: Linking Handlebars

Mission: To help underprivileged children enjoy the outdoors and a health means of transportation. 

Founding Members: The founding members of the organization are four Rye High School girls, Lucia Villani, Cristiana Villani, Bridget Salice and Jenna Cammisa. They have a wide range of volunteer experience in the local community having volunteered at Part of the Solution in the Bronx, the Carver Center and at Helping Hands. The group’s mission is to promote a healthier lifestyle for needy children through the distribution of bicycles,” according to the group’s flyer. 

To donate or get involved: visit linkinghandlebars.org. Their next donation drive will be at the end of this summer. Check with Patch for information.

They distributed 32 bicycles last December and 5 bicycles this June to children at the Carver Center. They collect gently used bicycles and have them checked out and fixed up. They also accept monetary donations to pay for the repairs for the gently used bicycles and to purchase new helmets and new bicycles.

 This is the fourth of four Q&As with the founding members.

 Answers from Jenna Cammisa, 16

Why did you decide to start/get involved with linking handle bars?

Linking Handlebars was started to provide children with bikes who can not afford them, for exercise, transportation and fun.

What is the kid's reaction when you give them the bike? How does it make you feel? 

The kids are very happy, and appreciative when they receive their bike. When we give them the bike it makes me feel like we have done something good in the world, and it is a great feeling. 

Do you expect to continue community service work in the future?

Yes, I would like to continue my community service work in the future, whether in Rye or somewhere else in the world because I believe it is extremely important to give back to the community. 

What is the most challenging part about running a charity? The most rewarding part?

The most challenging part about running a charity is probably the organization, but when we distribute bikes to kids who need and will appreciate them, it is extremely rewarding. 

Please share an anecdote about how you learned to ride a bike.

My dad took the training wheels off my bike, and told me to petal. He ran with me so I wouldn't fall and get hurt, but when I finally got it, I loved to ride my bike anywhere I could go.

*If you know of a person or charity that you would like to see featured in "Altruistic Answers: Charities in the Spotlight" please share the name of that organization, person or group in the comments or email it to me at elizabeth.giegerich@patch.com