News
In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the Chain Reaction Bike Hub made a significant impact on the holidays. On Sunday, their second annual Kids Bike Drive took place, where over 85 bikes were fixed and cleaned to be given to children. Eric Feldkamp, a volunteer, vividly recalls the joy he experienced as a child on Christmas morning when he saw his new bike. He firmly believes that every child should have the chance to feel that same excitement. "It's almost like a rite of passage," Feldkamp said. "We're getting bikes for a lot of kids who might not otherwise have a way to have that amazing Christmas Day."
Volunteers and Their Motives
Feldkamp is just one of over 30 volunteers who dedicated their time to working on the bikes. As he mentioned, "A lot of these people aren't mechanics. But they're bike riders and enthusiasts that also just want to give back and support the cause. It's great how many people we have here today." These volunteers bring a unique energy and passion to the event, ensuring that each bike is in the best possible condition.More Bikes for This Year's Drive
The Chain Reaction Bike Hub Executive Director, Evan Schmidtke, shared some exciting news. They donated roughly 50 bikes last year and are aiming to double that number this year. This shows their commitment to providing more bikes to children in need. Schmidtke's enthusiasm for the drive is evident as he works towards making this year's event even more successful.Ensuring Bike Safety and Appearance
While making sure each bike is safe for its new riders, the crew gave each one a thorough cleaning. As Feldkamp pointed out, "Half the time it's about how the bike looks. I can tell you that just from working in the bike industry. You could have done the best tune-up in the world but if the bike's still dirty, it doesn't matter." This attention to detail ensures that the bikes not only ride well but also look great, adding to the overall experience for the children.All the bikes will be donated to United We March Forward, the Boys & Girls Club, and the Young Parents Network, bringing joy and mobility to many children during the holidays.
