The Lakefield Kiwanis and Lakefield Lions clubs have joined hands in announcing a new bicycle recycling program that could eventually bring needed bicycles to kids all across Jackson County.
“We will be accepting bicycles starting on Tuesday, Oct. 20, and going through Sunday, Oct. 25, at our collection center and repair facility that is being provided by Kozy Heat,” said Larry Lavin, a Lakefield Kiwanian and Lions Club member who is heading up the bicycle recycle program. “People can drop bicycles there anytime during that week. The drop-off point is located on the east side of the Kozy Heat Manufacturing facility at their east loading dock where signs will be used to designate just where the bicycles can be dropped off.”
Anyone needing assistance in donating bicycles can call Kiwanian Darrell Nissen at 662-5686 or 841-2407 to make arrangements to have bikes picked up at the person’s residence.
Bicycles can also be donated and dropped off during the Lakefield Kiwanis French Toast Breakfast at the American Legion Hall on Sunday morning, Oct. 25, as a trailer will be placed at that site where the bicycles can be deposited from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“We are encouraging everyone to look in their garages, basements, storage sheds or anywhere they might have left a bicycle that they no longer use and donate them to this project,” Lavin stated. “A family may be in need of a bicycle, so help us fill that need for the families of our community.”
Bicycles able to be restored to working order will be restored and painted, while those not able to be so restored will be used for parts. It is anticipated that additional funds will be needed to purchase parts for some of the bikes including things like bicycle seats, handlebar grips, reflectors and other needed basic bicycle parts, Lavin said, so anyone without a bicycle to donate can donate money for those sure-to-be-needed items.
“The bicycles are being collected this fall to provide time for the Kiwanis and Lions volunteers to work on them over the winter and have some of them in working order possibly as early as Christmas as potential Christmas gifts for kids,” Lavin said. “The remainder of the bicycles collected will be worked on in hopes of getting them repaired to good working order, then freshly painted and ready for spring and summer when kids really enjoy riding their bikes.”
The repaired and repainted bicycles will be made available to kids ages 2 and up, but — depending on the number and size of the bikes donated — might be available to adults as well.
“The bicycles will be distributed by the Lakefield Kiwanis and Lakefield Lions at a date and time yet to be determined that will be announced later,” Lavin said. “But it is hoped some will still be available for the spring of 2010, depending on the number of bikes donated.”
Anyone in need of a bicycle can contact the authorized organizations that help people, such as Jackson County Family Services, regarding the acquisition of a bike for his or her child.
It is anticipated that other cities within Jackson County will offer similar opportunities for bicycle recycling in the near future, Lavin said.
Those bicycle parts not used or unable to be used in the project will be recycled elsewhere.
