Giving a child a bike is great, but providing them the opportunity to earn it gives them so much more. Through Worcester Earn-a-Bike Inc., local youth volunteer five hours in the shop stripping donated bikes, organizing parts, helping others with bike repairs and learning how to use the tools safely. Then they can choose a bike from the organization’s inventory of repairable bikes to repair for themselves. Cornerstone Bank recently donated $1,000 to support this forward-thinking community program.
“We are so impressed with this innovative initiative for local youth,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “Participants gain valuable hands-on skills, learn teamwork and develop leadership skills. When they earn their bike and build it up with their own hands, it becomes so much more than just a bike.”
Worcester Earn-a-Bike also hires paid youth mechanics through the Worcester Community Action Council. The youth mechanics help other kids and adults with bike repairs and serve as role models and mentors to new, younger kids who come to the shop.
The organization is also committed to encouraging bike riding as an empowering, economical and healthy alternative to car culture, hosting monthly community bike rides planned by the youth participants and open to the community.
“It’s hard to tally all the benefits of this initiative, many of which are intangible,” said Tallman. “From self-confidence and pride in a job well done, to a sense of community and belonging, this can truly be a life-changing experience.”
Donated funds will be used toward program expenses, which include a youth coordinator and shop coordinator who work a few hours a week, bike tools and parts, rent and insurance, and for monthly community bike rides.
To learn more about earning a bike or participating in Worcester Earn-a-Bike events, such as monthly community rides, visit facebook.com/worcesterearnabike.
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