New and used bicycles await new owners. (Photo courtesy of Edmonds Food Bank)
A total of 108 bikes were distributed to families in need at the Edmonds Food Bank’s second annual “Bikes, Books, Berries” event.
The event, held on the grounds of Edmonds Presbyterian Church on May 18, not only handed out bikes to children 18 and under, but also art kits and book cards.
“Receiving a bicycle makes a huge impact in a child’s life,” said Casey Davis, executive director of the food bank. “Bikes promote physical health through exercise, provide older students with transportation to school or work, and help them connect with friends and the community.”
The event was a collaborative effort and highlighted the strength of community partnerships, the food bank said in a press release summarizing the day. Participating organizations included Washington Kids in Transition, City of Edmonds Human Services and the Snoi Isle Library.
LR: Stevie and Kim from Washington Kids in Transition provided resources along with Mindy Woods, a human services staff member with the City of Edmonds.
Washington Kids in Transition provided art kits for children to enjoy over the summer and introduced a diaper bank available Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mindy Woods with the City of Edmonds provided mental health resources for attendees and information about the City of Edmonds Water Assistance Program and Snohomish County PUD’s Energy Assistance Program.
Edmonds Library Children’s Librarian Kat Combs signed up families for library cards and provided details about the upcoming summer reading program. “We were excited to provide at least 12 people with new library cards and speak with many of you who already use the library regularly,” said Combs. “Even though it was a chilly spring day, we were able to talk to you about our upcoming summer reading program, where kids will receive a free book for every 10 hours they read during the summer.”
LR: Tracey Peterson from the Edmonds Food Bank and Kat Combs from the Sno Isle Library are helping families register for library cards.
“We at Edmonds Presbyterian Church very much value our partnership with the Edmonds Food Bank,” said Edmonds Presbyterian Church Pastor Rob Christ. “This is our second year hosting the bike distribution event, and it has been a great success. In addition, we provide space for bike storage and repairs year-round.”
Volunteers from the Edmonds Food Bank and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Olympic View Ward Relief Society worked hard to ensure every child received a perfect bike and helmet, and they also distributed children’s books and berries, making the day special for the young participants.
Volunteers make sure each bike fits its recipient perfectly.
“This event would not be possible without the support of the community,” said Tracy Peterson, Community Programs Manager for the Edmonds Food Bank. “We’ve seen bike donations come in over the last few months, and our volunteer mechanics have been working hard to get bikes into the hands of 108 children.”
Harvey’s Bike Shop in Lynnwood and Seattle’s Bike Works played key roles by donating bikes and helping with replacements and repairs, South County Fire donated helmets to ensure the safety of new riders, Half Price Books donated books and the Port of Edmonds provided vital space to store bikes prior to the event.
Mel from Holy Spokes has lent his bike garage to volunteer mechanics who can help with bike repairs.
A family who received a bike during the event shared their update: “My grandson and I have been saving up for a while now to buy him his first bike, and it was exactly what he wanted! The people at the church where we received the bikes were so kind and supportive and truly made our day. Thank you to the Edmonds Food Bank for making all of this possible.”
