It's time to put those old bikes and sewing machines to good use. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Long Island, in partnership with the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island, is collecting used bicycles and sewing machines on Saturday, May 4 (rain or shine) from 11 am to 2 pm, at the Ethical Society, 38 Old Country Road in Garden City (at the end of Old Country Road, next to the water tower). Items collected will be refurbished by the international project Pedals for Progress & Sewing Peace and sent to developing countries overseas.
Anyone with an adult or child's bicycle in repairable condition or a working portable sewing machine is urged to donate the item. The program does not accept "bikes for parts," disassembled bikes or tricycles.
It costs $40 to collect, process, ship, rebuild and distribute each bicycle. A donation toward shipping costs is necessary (suggested minimum $10 per item). All cash and material donations are fully deductible and a receipt will be provided on site.
This is the 16th annual bike/sewing machine collection organized by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Long Island and the third time it has been cosponsored by the Ethical Society. Since beginning this collection, RPCV of LI has collected 1540 bicycles and 192 sewing machines.
Pedals for Progress collects bicycles and sewing machines annually and transfers this material wealth to those more needy. To date, more than 156,836 bicycles and 4,468 sewing machines have been shipped to developing countries in Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe. In these countries the bikes are reconditioned by partner agencies and distributed at low cost to poor working adults. These bikes provide reliable transportation for commuting to work, Transporting product to market and accessing health care and other services. Sewing machine shipments help initiate educational programs and generate income opportunities that may otherwise remain out of reach for many people. Steady employment for adults is vital to the development and success of struggling communities.
For more information please call Bette Bass at (516) 606-1400 (email bettebass@gmail.com) or Kathy Williams-Ging at (631) 549-4873 (email ktsging@optonline.net)