Each year more than thousands of bicycles have been donated to many disadvantaged children nationwide via the “Bikes for Kids Program.” What is a bike for kids’ charity program? It is the program that helps give bicycles to the most fragile, high-risk kids across the U.S. through various charitable organizations. Why a bicycle? Because a good bike represents freedom, a sense of joy, and comfort. If you want to contribute to this program, you can do so by donating your old bicycle or financially supporting those organizations directly. Generally, these charitable organizations dedicated to the bikes for kids program are propelled by mostly volunteers to manage funds raised from donations to acquire bicycles and other accessories for children.
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Donation is also simple and easy. You can donate online via the organization’s website or make a check payable to the organization. Please note that contribution to the bikes for kids program is tax-deductible. Anyway, please consult your tax professional for more information. Among hundreds of charitable organizations involved in this program, how can you be sure about the organization you are going to donate to? Does your money go directly to children who need it most? We have a solution for you. Let’s review our 10 best bikes for kids charity programs you should know.
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The Bikes for Kids Foundation
The bikes for kids foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2002. Its mission is to provide bicycles and other accessories to children who live in families with low income, often below the poverty line. Although this organization has been giving away hundreds of bikes to kids who need them, its operation is somewhat different from those of other programs.
To focus on delivering hope and confidence to most kids, the bike for kids foundation has employed a reward program in which participating kids in partnered schools will be asked to read and answer questions in the book titled “Think Big – Work Hard – Be Kind – No Excuses” for 6 weeks, then they will compose the essay about those 4 terms they have learned from the book. The top 3 essay papers will be rewarded with brand-new bicycles! By doing so, kids will be able to develop the ability of critical thinking and reasoning.
The bike for kids foundation has been working with all title 1 schools in the U.S. All operations are voluntary. If you want to join as a partner, volunteer, or donator, please contact the official website at www.bikesforkidsfoundation.org
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Free Bikes for Kids
The free bikes for kids have been giving away over ten thousand of refurbished bicycles to disadvantaged kids across the U.S. More than 100,000 volunteers are working in this organization to distribute bicycles to 800,000 kids nationwide. Most bicycles are completed refurbished national brands, and the free bikes for kids also announced that they were able to collect more than 1.2 million of used bicycles, which could reduce 17,000 tons of land-fills metal waste and 1,300 tons of rubbers. Furthermore, the organization claims that the cost of each bike given to kids is less than the price of 2 tall-size cups of Starbuck Coffee, such an impressive performance.
From our point of view, the crucial mission of the free bikes for kids organization is to transform the problems into a positive impact on the nation via bicycles. They firmly believe that bicycles will bring freedom, social, self-esteem, well-being, and eco-friendly effects. The free bikes for kids have set up its markets in 12 locations across the U.S. For more information. Please contact the official website at www.fb4k.org
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Bikes for Kids Wheelhouse
A Connecticut-based bike for kids wheelhouse has been working to give away bicycles to children. Although most donations are from the state of Connecticut, the bike for kids wheelhouse was capable of delivering their refurbished bikes to as far as Tanzania and Rwanda in Africa. The organization also became active in providing bicycles and helmets to the Race4Chase kid’s Triathlons, a city of Houston, TX, which was hard hit by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and local high schools in Essex, CT.
Its mission is to provide the best joyful moment of riding a bicycle. Like other charitable organizations, the bike for kids wheelhouse also believes that freedom and friendship forged by the activity on two-wheeler will contribute to a sense of independence and self-esteem. If you are interested in joining them, you may come to their weekly repair day every Thursday. Visit their official website at www.bikesforkidsct.org
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Trip for Kids
Trip for kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching kids valuable life skills through many cycling activities. Because they firmly believe that the bike is a perfect learning tool to help kids to explore their full potential. By the end of 2023, the Trip for kids organization has aimed to serve more than 600,000 kids.
Most operations are done through various offices, which are called “Chapter” nationwide. The Trip for kids has set up its chapters in 24 states and the other 4 chapters in Canada. Furthermore, the organization has implemented 4 different programs to help kids-in-need to uncover their hidden abilities and potential. Their signature program, “Discovery trail rides adventure clubs,” aims to provide kids with life-changing experiences by having them explore the natural world on the bike. The children will pedal their way to beautiful parks, dense forests, and other natural environments. The group will develop self-confidence, and an unbreakable bond with friends to overcome obstacles.
If you are interested in contributing, you can do so by joining as a sponsor, starting a chapter, purchasing their products, or working with them as a volunteer. For more information, visit their official website at www.tripsforkids.org
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Cycle Kids
Unlike other charitable organizations, the cycle kids organization has chosen to collaborate with conventional schools to provide all materials needed for the program, including bikes and helmets. The cycle kids program is directly embedded into the school’s academic program. The cycle kids program mainly focuses on the combination of cycling, nutrition, and emotional education. Kids will be taught to gain confidence by riding safely on the road. Additionally, students will learn to make healthy choices for their diets. When Combining both cycling and nutrition techniques, cycling can significantly improve their academic performance.
Furthermore, the program doesn’t limit its activities inside the classroom. Instead, it extends the support to the local community by inviting police officers to participate in the program. Recently the organization has been active in 11 states nationwide and projecting to serve all 50 states in the future. You can contribute to the program by donating money online, joining the program as a sponsor, or volunteering to do the job. Look for further information at www.cyclekids.org
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Recycle Bikes for Kids
The Arkansas-based non-profit organization has distributed over 14,000 refurbished bicycles to the community. The organization collects used bicycles from various sources such as individual donation and restore them in the organization’s in-house facilities. Besides, the recycling bikes for kids also have its signature program called “Earn a Bike,” which gives away used bicycles to volunteers free of charge. Volunteers can obtain the bike after participating in the program for a certain number of hours.
The organization relies on volunteers as its primary workforce. Not only do volunteers participate in refurbishing bikes, but they also help around the shop and greet visitors during open hours.
Also, you can contribute to the program by purchasing merchandise being sold in the shop. In addition to volunteers and shops, the organization is also open to donations. For more information, visit the official website at www.recyclebikesforkids.org
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Bikes 4 Kids
The bikes 4 kids is the website operated by the Robert and Wilma Burbach Bike Foundation, which has been distributing refurbished bicycles along with helmets and locks to local communities in Minnesota. Although being considered a small charitable organization, the Robert and Wilma Burbach Bike Foundation has given away over 2000 refurbished bikes since incorporated in 2012.
To donate your old bike, the foundation has set up 5 drop-off locations across the state of Minnesota. Like other organizations, the bikes 4 kids also receive donations either online or through the check. Please visit their website at www.bikes4kidsmn.org
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Kids Needs Bikes
The kids need bikes is a relatively small charitable organization founded in 2013. The organization has provided over 1,400 brand-new bicycles to foster kids and underprivileged teens in the greater Seattle area since 2013. Generally, the Kids Need Bikes has collaborated with several organizations such as Treehouse or Holy house to give away bicycles to children-in-need throughout the state of Washington.
If you want to join the organization as a volunteer, it would be best to come during November or December, the busiest months. The donation can be made through the official website at www.kidsneedbikes.org. Although the contribution is tax-deductible, you still need to pay an additional 3.75% processing fee on the total amount of donation plus $0.20 per transaction fee.
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Bikes For Kids In America
Enrico Deluca founded Bikes For Kids In America to reflect on his childhood moment in which he was given a bike by a young couple. He wants kids this day to have a good memory as he once had 40 years ago. Thus, the organization has devoted all efforts to bringing a sense of freedom and excitement to kids in the U.S. The organization starts by collecting old bicycles, refurbishing them, and distributing them to children in need.
The organization has conducted a fundraiser program to raise money for its operation. Also, the Bike For Kids In America is open for donations as well. You can contribute by becoming a sponsor or a volunteer. For more information, please visit the official website at http://bikesforkidsinamerica.com/
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Wheels For Kids
The Wheels for Kids is another charitable organization that collects used bikes, refurbishes them, and later distributes them to disadvantaged youth, refugee adults, or families who can’t afford to buy a bike. The Tucson-based non-profit organization founded in 2007 has spread over 3,700 refurbished bicycles so far.
The primary mission of the organization is to put a smile on the face of children and also to provide them with unforgettable bike riding. Donation to the Wheels for Kids is tax-deductible, and a couple can save as much as $800 for a tax deduction. You can make your donation in cash or use a bicycle. The Wheels For Kids has set up several drop-off sites around greater Tucson areas. For more information, please visit the official website at www.azwfk.org
The Bottom Line
Riding a bike does bring an unforgettable experience to the kid. Not only does riding a bike bring a joyful moment to children but it also gradually builds the confidence inside the kid. Research has shown that kids with biking experience tend to grow up with self-confidence and excellent academic performance. Unfortunately, many kids in the U.S. are currently living below the poverty line, but, on the bright side, many organizations dedicate their efforts to giving away bicycles to kids in need. If you want to do something good for disadvantaged kids, donate your money or even your old bicycle to the bike for kid charity organization near you.
i have three todler bikes to donate